Return to Complete at OCC

How it Works

Return to Complete provides students with past due financial obligations, a second chance to get a degree from OCC. If you're accepted into this program, you'll register for classes while having your previous balance deferred during program participation. Your dedicated Program Specialist will provide academic and financial support to help you reach your goals!

  • Earn your degree or certificate
  • Put your past debt on hold while you actively pursue
    your degree
  • Forgive up to $1500 of your past debt, $500 per semester
    for up to 3 semesters
  • Provide personalized support every step of the way

Application

To get started, submit the Return to Complete application. You'll be contacted by your program specialist to go over your application. The application deadline is 2 weeks prior to the start of each semester.

Return to Complete Program Application

Your Program Specialist:

Jessica Mitchell
(315) 498-2862 
j.r.mitchell@sunyocc.edu 

Frequently Asked Questions

The Return to Complete Program supports students that have a past due balance at OCC, to come back and finish what they started. Students who meet the qualifications for this program will not be required to pay back their past due balance while actively attending OCC. Return to Complete Program participants will create a plan of action to successfully pay for their new account balance as they return and attend college, along with a plan to complete payment of the previous debt once they have completed their degree or certificate.

Our Program Specialist will reach out to you within two business days, to talk about the program, eligibility, and set up an appointment to meet with you if you are deemed eligible.

If you are not eligible for this program but would like to return to OCC, visit our Returning Students page and contact our Returning Student Onboarding Specialist, Jessica Mitchell. Jessica can help answer any questions and guide you through the process.

Jessica Mitchell
(315) 498-2355
j.r.mitchell@sunyocc.edu  

OCC will defer the previous balance that you owe to the college. It does not defer money you owe upon returning to OCC.

Return to Complete students must:

  • Maintain a 2.0 semester GPA
  • Register for a minimum of 6 credit hours
  • Successfully pass all registered courses in a semester
  • Stay up to date with payments on their current student bill
  • Attend two meetings per semester with a Success Coach

To remain in the Return to Complete program, you're required to complete the following:

  • Register for a minimum of 6 credit hours each semester
  • Successfully pass all registered courses in a semester
  • Stay up to date with payments on current student bill
  • Maintain an academic plan with your advisor
  • Meet twice per semester with a Success Coach

If you did not fulfill the program requirements and you have an extenuating circumstance that impacted your ability to meet program requirements, you may submit the Return to Complete Appeal form as a one-time appeal for consideration:

Submit an Appeal Form

  • Supporting documentation is required for your appeal to be considered.

  • Please note the program requirement of meeting with support staff will not be considered for appeal.

  • Appeals must be submitted within 2 weeks of the date the appeal email was sent to be considered. 

If your appeal is approved, you will meet with Jessica Mitchell, the Program Specialist, to discuss a plan for next semester to help keep you eligible for the Return to Complete program.

Students that complete their degree or transfer will receive the allotted amount for that semester. For example, if a student successfully completes two semesters at OCC and graduates, they will have received $1000 toward their past due bill.