Request to Appeal Tuition for Special Circumstances
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Policy Statement
The University of Hawaii at Hilo’s Tuition and Fees Refund Policy can be found here. Requests for tuition refunds beyond the University’s policies must comply with the procedure below.
General Information
Tuition Appeal for Special Circumstance is used to request consideration for an exception to established UH Hilo policies and procedures in the event of extenuating circumstances that are beyond the student’s control, such as serious illness or injury, a death in the family, involuntary job transfer or military service, or an institutional error during the term appealing. Tuition will be refunded provided the student meets the requirements of the below stated on tuition appeals and submits the signed tuition appeal form with supporting documentation; appeals that do not meet the University’s criteria will be denied.
Appealing for reasons such as failure to pay adequate attention to detail about published processes or deadlines or for ignorance of such published material are inadequate. Appeals about grades or concerning residency are not covered under this appeals process. Appeals about grades should be handled through the Academic Grievance Process. Appeals regarding residency should be handled through the Residency Officer. University fees, including but not limited to student fees, late fees, collection fees, and unearned financial aid charges are not appealable charges.
Submitting an Appeal
- Students must officially withdraw from a course before their appeal will be reviewed.
- Forms must be printed and signed (not emailed) and should address a specific issue and requested remedy.
- Submit completed form with supporting documentation to the UH Hilo Office of the Registrar in the Student Services Center, room E-101.
- Deadlines: Appeals must be submitted to the Office of the Registrar no later than the last day of instruction of the semester following the term for which the appeal is requested. Summer semester appeals must be submitted by the last day of instruction of the following Fall term for which the appeal is requested.
- Students will be contacted by email as indicated on this form with requests for additional information and appeal results. If no email address is provided, student will be contacted by mail.
- Failure to respond to requests for documentation or further information within 30 days of notice will result in an automatic denial of the appeal.
- The Office of the Registrar reserves the right to verify all information, including verifying with doctor’s and instructors, and may review attendance, course performance, and all other available academic progress.
- Know there may be implications of submitting a tuition appeal if any third party or federal aid was received to pay for your tuition charges for the term appealing.
- Tuition appeals for other University of Hawaii campuses must be submitted to each institution individually.
Submitting Supporting Documentation
To include supporting documentation of medical information or records from the University of Hawaii Hilo Student Medical Services, please complete the Consent for Release of Medical Information or Records form (PDF) with the UH Hilo
Appeal Process
- The Registrar’s Office reviews appeals on a time permissive basis.
- Normal processing time is from four to six weeks; however, depending on the complexity of the appeal, receipt of supporting documentation, and/or time to communicate with other involved parties, processing time may extend beyond that time frame. Phone calls and personal visits delay the process, not expedite it.
- Appeals are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
- All appeal decisions are final.
- Students are responsible for payment of all tuition and fees that are still assessed with their account after the appeals process.
- Upon decision of your appeal, you may be required to reapply with Admissions for future registration.
Contact Us
Questions about appeals may be directed to the
The Office of the Registrar is located on the 1st floor of the Student Services Center, in room E-101.