Changes may occur in a family's situation throughout the year. Therefore, students may wish to appeal their financial aid award. This may be done by submitting a detailed letter (with documentation) to the financial aid office or by requesting an appointment with an aid counselor. It is university and federal policy that students cannot receive assistance in excess of their cost of attendance.

If unusual situations occur, such as loss of employment, death, incapacitation of a wage earner, or loss of some form of untaxed income, the financial aid office will provide professional advice on how forms can be reprocessed with the state and federal governments. Students are encouraged to make an appointment with a counselor to discuss this further.

Students also are required to report all changes in financial resources (unreported financial aid, employment, or other assistance) to their campus financial aid office as soon as they have knowledge of the change. Changes in such areas as an increase or decrease in family size and number of household members attending college need to be reported promptly. This information is used in both federal and state formulas for determining need, which in turn determines aid eligibility. Failure to do so can jeopardize continuation of all assistance.