STANDARDS OF SATISFACTORY ACADEMIC PROGRESS

Students are expected to meet standards of Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) while enrolled in a diploma or degree program. The Satisfactory Academic Progress policy measures three factors:

1. Qualitative Measure (Cumulative GPA)

Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or higher for diploma programs, a 2.5 or higher for undergraduate degree programs, and a 3.0 or higher for graduate degree programs.

2. Quantitative Measure (Completion Percentage)

Quantitative Measure (Completion Percentage) Students must have completed at least 67% of the credits they have attempted on a cumulative basis to remain compliant with SAP Policy.

3. Maximum Timeframe (MTF)

The maximum timeframe for receiving financial aid is equal to 150% of the credit hours of the program. For example, when pursuing a program that requires 100 credits for graduation, the maximum allowable timeframe is 150 credits attempted. Upon reaching or exceeding the allowable maximum timeframe, the student will be dismissed. Awarded transfer credits will count towards the Maximum Timeframe.

Satisfactory Academic Progress Evaluation Points

Satisfactory Academic Progress is measured at the end of each semester.

Financial Aid Consequences of Failing to Satisfy Academic Progress Criteria

Students not meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress criteria at any evaluation point will be placed on Financial Aid Warning. The student will have one academic term to meet Satisfactory Academic Progress. If SAP has been met, the student will be removed from Financial Aid Warning. If a student fails to achieve SAP at the end of the Financial Aid Warning term, the student will be placed on SAP Probation and may lose eligibility for Title IV funds. Students not making Satisfactory Academic Progress at the end of the second consecutive semester (SAP Probation) may be dismissed or allowed to continue on Financial Aid Suspension without being eligible for federal financial aid.

Financial Aid Probation

Students who fail to regain SAP following one term of Financial Aid Warning will be placed on Financial Aid Probation. Students must complete the appeal/explanation form sent to them through DocuSign from the Office of Academic Advisement and Student Success. Students who successfully appeal may continue in their program with federal financial aid. Students who do not appeal or whose appeal is denied may be dismissed from the University, or the student may elect to continue in the program without federal financial aid.

Dismissal and Appeal Guidelines

Students on Financial Aid Probation who fail to make Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) by the end of the term and/or fail to meet the terms of the Academic Probation Plan shall be placed on Financial Aid Suspension and may be dismissed from the University. Students who are projected to be unable to complete the program within the Maximum Timeframe may also be dismissed from the University. Students may appeal a dismissal decision by submitting their appeal request within five (5) calendar days from initial notification to the Office of Academic Advisement and Student Success with the subject “SAP Appeal”. The appeal must explain, in detail, the reason the student was not successful in meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress and what has changed relative to the circumstances described that will allow the student the opportunity for success in future terms.

Conditions for Reinstatement

To be reinstated as a regular student after financial aid eligibility has been terminated, a student must retake previously failed courses so that the recalculated cumulated grade point average and maximum timeframe levels meet or exceed the minimum requirements. The student will be financially responsible for tuition and all costs associated until SAP is met. Financial aid eligibility resumes only after student returns to satisfactory recalculated qualitative and quantitative standards.

The following defines the effect on the CGPA and successful course completion percentage:

Change of Programs and Satisfactory Academic Progress

Students who change majors are still responsible for maintaining satisfactory academic progress. Students are allowed two changes of major before they complete a degree, diploma, or certificate. After the second change of major, the student will be placed on financial aid suspension, if applicable. To reestablish eligibility, the student must have an approved appeal. While considering a change in major, students should consult with their respective Chair, or Dean and the Office of Financial Aid to discuss the effect of a change on their Satisfactory Academic Progress and financial aid eligibility.

Additional Credentials and Satisfactory Academic Progress

Students pursuing a second credential may be considered for financial aid. Financial aid eligibility is limited to no more than two associate degrees. Students who wish to pursue additional credentials beyond these may do so but without federal financial assistance.

Transfer Credits and Satisfactory Academic Progress

Awarded transfer credits will count towards credits earned and credits attempted in the calculation of Maximum Timeframe (MTF) and Completion Percentage for Satisfactory Academic Progress.

Course Repeat and Satisfactory Academic Progress

Students may retake courses once per course to improve their cumulative grade point average. The highest grade of the repeated course will be used in calculation of the CGPA and will be calculated towards the Maximum Timeframe (MTF) of Satisfactory Academic Progress. The lower grade will not count in the calculation of CGPA but will count towards MTF. The failed course policy sets limitations to this practice. Students must meet with the Office of Financial Aid to discuss funding eligibility. If no funding is available, students are responsible for the costs and tuition associated for each course repeated.

Incomplete “I” – grades are temporary and do not count in the CGPA; however, the final course grade will be computed into the GPA and count towards the SAP calculation.

Withdraw “W” – grade will not be counted towards the GPA but will in calculation of Maximum Timeframe and Completion Percentage for SAP.

Test Out “TO” – grade does not affect the student’s GPA or SAP but counts as credits earned.

SAP Warning – grades earned while a student is on probation will be used in calculation of the CGPA and calculated towards the Maximum Timeframe (MTF) of SAP.

SAP Probation – grades earned while a student is on probation will be used in calculation of the CGPA and calculated towards the Maximum Timeframe (MTF) of SAP.

SAP Suspension – A student will be placed on suspension for not meeting the academic standards outlined above after a term of probation and will lose eligibility for Title IV (financial aid)funds.

Appeals Process – grades earned while a student is appealing will be used in calculation of the CGPA and calculated towards the Maximum Timeframe (MTF) of SAP.