Student Rights & Responsibilities
As a financial aid applicant or recipient at Massasoit Community College, you have certain rights and responsibilities as outlined by federal and state regulations. This information is provided in accordance with 34 CFR §668.42 and §668.16, as well as guidance from the Federal Student Aid Handbook.
Your Rights
As a student consumer you have the right to know:
As a student receiving financial aid, you have the right to:
Be informed about the types of financial aid programs available at Massasoit.
Understand how your financial need was determined, including what resources were considered (such as parental income, other aid, etc.).
Request a reconsideration of your aid package if your financial situation changes (e.g., due to loss of income). See our Special and Unusual Circumstances page for more details.
Know how and when financial aid funds are disbursed.
Receive an explanation of how Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) is measured and how it affects your eligibility for financial aid.
Know the College’s refund and withdrawal policies, and how they may affect your financial aid through Return to Title IV (R2T4) calculations.
Receive a clear explanation of the cost of attendance and your financial obligations.
Have your personal and financial information treated confidentially in accordance with FERPA.
File a complaint or appeal regarding your financial aid award or eligibility decision. For guidance, contact the Financial Aid Office or visit Student Central.
Your Responsibilities
As a recipient of financial aid, you are responsible for:
Reading all communications sent by the Financial Aid Office and responding promptly to any requests for documentation or additional information.
Providing complete and accurate information on your FAFSA and all financial aid forms. Misreporting information may be considered fraud and is a violation of federal law.
Monitoring your MyMassasoit portal and Massasoit email account for updates, requests, or changes related to your financial aid.
Notifying the Financial Aid Office of any changes to your enrollment status, housing status, program of study, or external financial resources (e.g., scholarships, veterans’ benefits).
Informing the College if your permanent address, phone number, or name changes.
Attending and participating in the classes for which you receive financial aid. Failure to attend or withdrawing from courses may result in cancellation or repayment of your financial aid.
Taking only courses required for your degree or certificate program to ensure continued aid eligibility.
Notifying the Financial Aid Office if you stop attending any or all of your classes at any time.
Understanding and complying with Massasoit’s refund and withdrawal policies.
Maintaining Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) as outlined in the College’s SAP Policy.
Using financial aid funds only for educational expenses, including tuition, fees, books, and reasonable living costs while enrolled.
Understanding the terms, conditions, and repayment obligations of any federal or private loans you accept.
Completing required entrance counseling, exit counseling, and a Master Promissory Note (MPN) if you borrow federal student loans.
Notifying your loan servicer of any changes in your name, address, or school status while enrolled and after leaving school.
Repaying all student loans you receive, regardless of whether you successfully complete your program of study.
Performing work in a satisfactory manner if employed under the Federal Work-Study program.
For questions about your rights or responsibilities, please contact the Financial Aid Office at 508-588-9100, ext. 1479, or visit Student Central.