Read all information before submitting an appeal.
Old Dominion University will promptly refund tuition and/or cancel a financial charge from a student account provided the student meets the requirements of the University's policy on Tuition Appeals AND is submitted properly (on official letterhead).
The appeal process may take time. Please submit all appeals in advance of registration. Holds will not be lifted until any appeals are resolved. Filing a tuition appeal does NOT exempt your account from the assessment of collection and/or financial penalties when applicable. Please pay tuition and fees when due.
Have you consulted Financial Aid? If you have received or expect to receive financial aid for the term that you are appealing, it may be necessary for you to return the aid. It is highly recommended that you contact your financial aid counselor prior to submitting a tuition appeal.
Submitting an Appeal
Before you Submit
Please note:
- All supporting documentation must be submitted on official letterhead.
- Appeals may be made for tuition charges incurred for withdrawn classes only. (grades of W or WF)
- Appeals must be filed within one year of the tuition due date.
- You cannot appeal late penalties or collection fees. Financial penalties incurred associated with the appeal are voided on approved appeals only.
How do I submit?
Appeal forms are accepted, with documentation on official letterhead:
- In Person: at the Customer Relations Center in Rollins Hall
- By mail: Mailed to The Office of Finance in Rollins Hall 2003A
- By fax: Faxed to (757) 683-4100
- By email: Emailed to odutuitionappeal@odu.edu.
Who Decides?
Appeals are reviewed by a committee comprised of representatives from The Office of Finance, The Student Outreach & Support Office, and Academic Affairs. Appeals are approved when a majority of the committee decides in favor of the request. Appeals that do not represent a sound basis for reimbursement will be denied. Committee decisions are final.
How Long Does it Take?
Processing time on all appeals is three-to-five weeks. Processing for adjustments requires an additional three-to-five weeks. For more information or assistance with your tuition appeal, please contact The Office of Finance at 757-683-4983 or odutuitionappeal@odu.edu.
Reasons
Tuition appeals will generally be approved for the following reasons as long as the appropriate supporting documentation on official letterhead is provided:
- Extended periods of physical illness of the student (including hospitalization) documented by a signed physician's statement. NO medical records!
- Extended periods of physical or mental illness of the student's immediate family member (including hospitalization) who is dependent upon the student for support - documented by physician's statement or other medical support on official letterhead. NO medical records!
- Death of a student's immediate family member. "Immediate family" is defined as parents, spouse, children, brother, or sister (either blood or by marriage) - with certified copy of death certificate.
- Mandatory job transfers - documented by employer on official letterhead.
- Changes in employment schedule or military deployment - documented by employer or commanding officer on official letterhead.
- Error in academic advising resulting in inappropriate course enrollment-substantiated by advisor or other appropriate University personnel on official letterhead.
- Transfer credit assignment errors resulting in course duplication - substantiated by University personnel on official letterhead.
- Late notification of denial to a specific degree program - with supporting documents on official letterhead.
- Institutional errors/delay in processes - documented on official letterhead.
- Statement from the Vice President of Student Affairs (or designee) authorizing withdrawal for medical reasons.
- Administrative difficulties with internships, placements or practicums involving the single enrollment of a student-with supporting material from placement official on official letterhead.
- Involuntary Loss of Employment.
Tuition appeals will NOT be approved in the following instances.
- Non-qualification, late application, or loss of eligibility for financial aid or scholarships.
- Personal errors in judgment or irresponsibility involving transportation, availability of finances, academic ability, time management.
- Misinterpretation of University policies and procedures as published in the University Catalog and other University publications.
- Lack of knowledge of University policies and procedures as published in the University Catalog and other applicable University publications.
- Dissatisfaction with course content or delivery of instruction. (Please note: Complaints of this nature should be addressed to the department chair.)
- Dissatisfaction with academic progress in course.
- Appeals of non-refundable fees.
- Non-attendance or minimal attendance of class.
- Inadequate investigation of course requirements prior to registration and attendance.
- Requests to defer tuition payment to next semester charges.
- Non-receipt of mail due to obsolete address on file with the Office of the University Registrar.
- Failure to activate or maintain your official ODU.EDU email address (e-billing).
- Changes of, or personal conflicts with, the instructor of record.
- Student errors resulting in the delay of administrative processes relative to registration or the delivery of financial aid funds.
- Voluntary participation in employment or other activity impacting ability to attend classes.
- Notification of domicile status after the refund period.
Late fees and collections fees are not appealable charges.
Tuition appeals will generally be approved for the following reasons as long as the appropriate supporting documentation on official letterhead is provided:
- Extended periods of physical illness of the student (including hospitalization) documented by a signed physician's statement. NO medical records!
- Extended periods of physical or mental illness of the student's immediate family member (including hospitalization) who is dependent upon the student for support - documented by physician's statement or other medical support on official letterhead. NO medical records!
- Death of a student's immediate family member. "Immediate family" is defined as parents, spouse, children, brother, or sister (either blood or by marriage) - with certified copy of death certificate.
- Mandatory job transfers - documented by employer on official letterhead.
- Changes in employment schedule or military deployment - documented by employer or commanding officer on official letterhead.
- Error in academic advising resulting in inappropriate course enrollment-substantiated by advisor or other appropriate University personnel on official letterhead.
- Transfer credit assignment errors resulting in course duplication - substantiated by University personnel on official letterhead.
- Late notification of denial to a specific degree program - with supporting documents on official letterhead.
- Institutional errors/delay in processes - documented on official letterhead.
- Statement from the Vice President of Student Affairs (or designee) authorizing withdrawal for medical reasons.
- Administrative difficulties with internships, placements or practicums involving the single enrollment of a student-with supporting material from placement official on official letterhead.
- Involuntary Loss of Employment.
Tuition appeals will NOT be approved in the following instances.
- Non-qualification, late application, or loss of eligibility for financial aid or scholarships.
- Personal errors in judgment or irresponsibility involving transportation, availability of finances, academic ability, time management.
- Misinterpretation of University policies and procedures as published in the University Catalog and other University publications.
- Lack of knowledge of University policies and procedures as published in the University Catalog and other applicable University publications.
- Dissatisfaction with course content or delivery of instruction. (Please note: Complaints of this nature should be addressed to the department chair.)
- Dissatisfaction with academic progress in course.
- Appeals of non-refundable fees.
- Non-attendance or minimal attendance of class.
- Inadequate investigation of course requirements prior to registration and attendance.
- Requests to defer tuition payment to next semester charges.
- Non-receipt of mail due to obsolete address on file with the Office of the University Registrar.
- Failure to activate or maintain your official ODU.EDU email address (e-billing).
- Changes of, or personal conflicts with, the instructor of record.
- Student errors resulting in the delay of administrative processes relative to registration or the delivery of financial aid funds.
- Voluntary participation in employment or other activity impacting ability to attend classes.
- Notification of domicile status after the refund period.
Late fees and collections fees are not appealable charges.