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Drug Conviction Policy

PCTI has a drug conviction policy that is provided to its students during the enrollment process. Each student receives the information regarding financial aid penalties for drug law convictions along with a drug abuse handbook. A signature is required from each student to acknowledge receipt of the policy. The policy is also posted on PCTI’s website.

A federal or state drug conviction can disqualify a student for FSA funds. If a student self-certifies eligibility in applying for aid, PCTI is not required to confirm this unless there is evidence of conflicting information. A conviction that was reversed, set aside, or removed from the student’s record does not count, nor does one received when the student was a juvenile, unless the student was tried as an adult.

The chart below illustrates the period of ineligibility for FSA funds, depending on whether the conviction was for sale or possession and whether the student had previous offenses. (A conviction for sale of drugs includes convictions for conspiring to sell drugs).

If the student was convicted of both possessing and selling illegal drugs, and the periods of ineligibility are different, the student will be ineligible for the longer period. A student regains eligibility the day after the period of ineligibility ends or when the student successfully completes a qualified drug rehabilitation program. Further drug convictions will make him/her ineligible again.

When a student regains eligibility during the award year the institute may award Pell and campus based aid for the current payment period and Direct and FFEL loans for the period of enrollment.

Standards for a Qualified Drug Rehabilitation Program

A qualified drug rehabilitation program must include at least two unannounced drug tests and must satisfy at least one of the following requirements:

– Be qualified to receive funds directly or indirectly from a federal, state, or local government program.

– Be qualified to receive payment directly or indirectly from a federally or state-licensed insurance company.

– Be administered or recognized by federal, state or local government agency or

– Be administered or recognized by a federally or state licensed hospital, health clinic, or medical doctor.

 

Incarcerated Students

A student is considered to be incarcerated if the student is serving a criminal sentence in a federal, state, or local penitentiary, prison, jail, reformatory, work farm, or similar correctional institution. A student is not considered to be incarcerated if the student is in a half-way house or home detention or is sentenced to serve only weekends. Our attendance policy specifies that all classes and practical studies are done at the PCTI’s physical location; therefore, incarcerated students are not eligible for admission.

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