Appeal and Exception Process for Hope Scholarship

The institutional Review Panel (IRP) is established for the purpose of hearing appeals from decisions denying or revoking applicant's HOPE awards.

The Following Items Are Allowed For Appeals:

Denial of Change of Status
Denial of Leave of Absence

The IRP will be designated by the institution administrator and may be composed, but not limited to, the following: two faculty members, one support staff, one student, and one administrator. An alternate will be designated for any IRP member who is personally involved in a particular case or is otherwise unable to attend. No eligible institution official rendering a decision to deny or revoke a HOPE award shall participate in the appeal process.

IRP Appeals Process and Timeline
Any student wishing to appeal to the IRP must provide a written appeal within five days of notification of denial.

The IRP may award or reinstate the student's HOPE award with or without a hearing and shall make a determination no later than fourteen calendar days after the student properly files an appeal. The IRP shall render a written decision no later than fourteen calendar
days after considering an appeal, except for exigent circumstances.

Appeals of IRP's Decision
A student seeking an appeal of a decision rendered by the IRP shall request in writing an appeal outlining the basis for the appeal with the Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation within fourteen calendar days from the date the decision was delivered to the student.

Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation
TELS Award Appeals Panel
404 James Robertson Parkway, Suite 1950
Nashville, Tennessee 37243.