Grand Valley State University students are responsible for knowing university academic policies as outlined in the University Catalog as well as the academic calendar. The University does recognize that there are times when a student experiences an extenuating or unexpected emergency or hardship that interferes with the student’s ability to attend and/or successfully complete classes that may warrant an exception or appeal. In unique circumstances, these may also justify a partial or full tuition refund.

For questions, please contact [email protected] or (616) 331-3327.

Process and Guidelines

Step 1

GET an Application for Tuition Refund form from the Registrar’s website.

Step 2

FILL the form out completely

Include the specific semester and courses for which the appeal is being requested
Fill out a separate form for each semester if multiple semesters are to be considered
Include course numbers, titles, and CRN’s, if known

Step 3

DRAFT a personal statement, addressed to the Tuition Refund Appeal Committee. Guidelines for items to be included in the statement are listed in the FAQs below.

Appeals without a personal statement will not be considered
Appeals with only a parent statement will not be considered

Step 4

OBTAIN copies of any supporting documentation, including, but not limited to:

Signed and dated letter of support from doctor or medical official on letterhead
Letters of support from instructor(s), if applicable
Letters of support from professional advisors, if applicable
Any other documentation pertinent to the appeal

No appeal will be considered without written support or documentation.

Step 5

SUBMIT your completed appeal packet to the Registrar’s Office (150 STU). Make a copy for your records. Materials may be emailed to [email protected]

Step 6

You will be notified, in writing (or by phone depending on the time of year), of the decision of the Committee.

Important Items to Consider

Appeals will be considered by the committee in the following instances as long as the appropriate supporting documentation is provided:	The committee will not consider appeals in the following instances:
Physical or mental illness of the student (including hospitalization) documented by a signed and dated physician’s statement that details the inability of the student to successfully complete courses for the given term. Please do NOT include medical records.	Personal errors in judgement or irresponsibility involving transportation, availability of finances, academic ability or time management.
Physical or mental illness of the student’s immediate family member (including hospitalization) who is dependent upon the student for support documented by a signed and dated physician’s statement or other medical support on official letterhead. Please do NOT include medical records.	Non-qualification, late application, or loss of eligibility for financial aid or scholarships.
Death of a student’s immediate family member (parent, spouse, children, sibling) with a copy of death certificate or a link to an obituary.	Misinterpretation or lack of knowledge of university policies or procedures as published in the university catalog or other university publications.
Military deployment documented by commanding officer.	Dissatisfaction with course content or delivery of instructions (complaints of this nature should be addressed to the instructor and, as needed, the unit head).
Administrative errors related to advising, transfer credit assignment, or internship placements with supporting documentation from university personnel on official letterhead.	Dissatisfaction with academic progress in the course.
	Non-attendance or minimal attendance in a class.
	Inadequate investigation of course requirements prior to registration and attendance.
	Changes to work schedule or other activity impacting ability to attend class.
	Desire to remove a passing grade from a student’s transcript to improve GPA.