Can Excelsior recipients take gap semesters or a gap year?

[prisma lodge]

Title basically. Currently going through a very horrible time in my life right now and I don't know if I'll be able to handle taking another semester of courses at this rate. Just want to know if there is some way I would be able to take off without my scholarship being taken away. Thanks.

Also, add-on question I guess: How do I officially take a gap year and what am I gonna have to do with financials and stuff. Just whatever I have to know about taking gaps. Thanks.

[winter seal]

From what they put, no. Because if you don’t hit 30 credits a semester you lose your scholarship

[atomic tartan]

maybe email someone in the department who knows about this because if you have health issues or if you have a letter from a therapist or doctor, you can get exempt from things or excused because it would be considered discrimination if they did not allow you too.

anxiety, stress etc, i think is considered like a temporary disability.

[prisma lodge]

That sucks to know.

[prisma lodge]

I've emailed all my professors and theyve been very understanding. I probably wont try to email a department or anything yet.

[winter seal]

i meant a year* not a semester which still wouldn't help you considering you want to take time off

[prisma lodge]

Yeah thx. I swear I heard at some point that like you could excuse a gap due to extenuating circumstances but I guess not

[winter seal]

you should email excelsior tho but I have heard they are pretty unforgiving

[prisma lodge]

Yeah

https://tenor.com/view/family-guy-peter-griffin-ifunny-caption-miserable-gif-24635080

Guess I'll suffer and get a degree in 4 years 😍

[atomic tartan]

Students with disabilities determined to be ineligible who can demonstrate good cause for completing fewer credits than attempted and/or a break in attendance may appeal the decision by completing the Excelsior Scholarship Program Appeal Form and emailing to [email protected].

[prisma lodge]

I would try that but like I don't really have a disability and idk how I'll be able to show stress or anxiety. The issue is more centered around a family emergency

[atomic tartan]

oh https://www.hesc.ny.gov/pay-for-college/financial-aid/types-of-financial-aid/nys-grants-scholarships-awards/the-excelsior-scholarship.html

i think the bottom talks about if you have to care for a family member , it is considered an extenuating circumstance but yeah, idk good luck lol! i hope it works out!

[prisma lodge]

Thanks. In all likelihood I'll just have to deal with whatever. I'll live.