Unfortunately, things keep getting busier and busier at work … I haven’t had nearly as much time to check CC as I would like. I do generally watch for PM’s, though, so if something like this happens again, if someone thinks to PM me to bring me into a conversation, that’s probably the best way to reach me. I do want to help when I can. However … y’all offered really spot-on advice here, and the OP did a tremendous job of advocating for him/herself.
I just see all kinds of wrong in this situation, and I am so glad that it was resolved successfully for the OP. Gettingblownoff did exactly the right thing, going to the Director after not getting a resolution despite many, many attempts to work with the aid officer. Sadly, it is often difficult to find the director’s email address … so glad the OP found it, and so glad the email went directly to the Director (rather than being intercepted as the letter seems to have been).
As I mentioned, I think there are some big problems in this aid office. This situation has brought them to light, and I hope the OP and classmates find that their financial aid experience improves as a result.