The University of Miami has prepared this list of helpful hints to promote better service and better understanding of the Florida financial aid programs appeal process, and to facilitate a successful appeal with the Office of Financial Assistance Services and, therefore, a timely recommendation to the Florida Department of Education on the student’s behalf.

1. Type or print a letter of appeal explaining the specific circumstances (including dates) which prevented you from fulfilling the 24 credit hours or 2.0/3.2 minimum cumulative grade point average required for renewal, and how these circumstances affected your academic performance.
2. Type or print your name and social security number on top of each document you submit.
3. Students appealing due to a medical problem or an accident must provide a letter from the doctor explaining the illness or accident in detail, including date of illness or accident and duration of treatment or hospitalization.
4. In the case of the death of an immediate family member, submit a copy of the death certificate and a letter from your parent(s) explaining how this affected your study habits.
5. You may include other supporting documentation such as a letter from a legal guardian, hospital bills, or a letter from a member of the community such as a religious leader or lawyer.
6. If you are not meeting the state aid requirements due to incomplete courses or grade pending approval, do not appeal unless the incompletes were due to one of the aforementioned circumstances, or due to an administrative error for which you need to submit proof in writing.
7. Submit the appeal form, the appeal letter, and any supporting documents to the address at the bottom of the form no later than 30 days after receiving this notification.

Failure to provide all necessary supporting documentation attached to the appeal letter will result in your appeal being placed on hold until all documents are submitted.