Verification is a process which requires an institution to confirm the accuracy of information used to determine a student's eligibility for federal student assistance. A student's file may be selected for verification by either the school or by the U.S. Department of Education.

If a student's file has been selected for review under the verification process, depending upon the reason the file was selected, some or all of the following information may be requested from the student.

• A completed Verification Worksheet, signed by the student, spouse or parent when applicable.

• A signed copy of the U.S. Income Tax Return (Form 1040) that the taxpayer filed, or an IRS Tax Return Transcript from the Internal Revenue Service will be required unless the student (and parents where applicable) have properly used the IRS Data Retreival Tool to import tax information into the student's FAFSA record. A signed copy of the IRS Form 1040 or Tax Return Transcript will serve to confirm the accuracy of income and other tax related amounts that the student reported on his/her FAFSA application if the IRS/DRT has not been used.

• Other documentation may be requested by the institution to verify the accuracy of your application information including, but not limited to, marital settlement agreements, divorce decrees, W-2 forms, etc.

Students must provide the above information to the institution within 120 days of the student's last date of attendance, or before the respective award year funding processes close in accordance with dates published annually in the Federal Register, whichever is earlier. Failure to complete the verification requirements on a timely basis may result in forfeiture of any federal aid awarded during the award year.

Students will be notified by the institution if any discrepancies are discovered during the verification process. Students may be required to correct any erroneous information by using the ISIR correction process at www.studentaid.gov. The verification process is not considered to be completed during periods of corrective action. Corrections generally include a recalculation of the student's EFC, and electronic resubmission of applicant information through the FAFSA Central Processor.

If a student's award changes as a result of the verification process, the student will be counseled and informed of how the change affects his/her packaging and financial obligations to the institution.

In the event this verification process identifies that a student received an overpayment of federal aid, the student will be required to refund the overpayment promptly. The student will be ineligible for any future federal aid until all amounts owed are repaid. If the student fails to repay any refund due, or if hte institution determines that the student may have engaged in fraud or misrepresentation regarding the federal aid process, the student will be referred to the U.S. Department of Education for further investigation and prosecution.

Students will forfeit their right to federal assistance for non-compliance with verification policies.