Purpose

The Institutional Review Panel’s (IRP) primary purpose is to review student appeals for the loss of a lottery scholarship award, as set forth in T.C.A. § 49-4-924. Appeal decisions determined by the IRP shall be based on non-academic reasons. The IRP shall not rule on the student’s appeal based on reasons for a program grade point average below the minimum for continuation.

The IRP may reinstate the student's award upon review of the appeal, written statement, and supporting documentation and shall make a determination within 14 calendar days of each semester's deadline to file an appeal. If additional documentation is requested by the IRP, the student will be notified and will have seven calendar days to respond. A decision shall be rendered no later than seven days after the additional documentation has been submitted, except when exigent circumstances exist. A recipient's appeal can only be considered for medical or personal reasons and must be properly documented. If the IRP denies the appeal the student 45 days to appeal directly to the Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation (TSAC).

Membership

The IRP shall be comprised of a total of three members from across Academic Affairs and Institutional Excellence and Student Success, appointed by the Director of Financial Aid. When extenuating circumstances are an issue (such as a natural disaster or shortage in staffing) the Director of Financial Aid and/or the Assistant Director of Financial Aid may review appeals and make determinations.