Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy (2024)

FAQs

What is a good excuse for a SAP appeal? ›

Valid reasons for an SAP appeal

medical emergencies. severe health issues. severe personal or family problems. financial or personal catastrophe.

Write a detailed letter describing the extenuating circ*mstances that prevented you from meeting the SAP standards for GPA, Pace and/or Maximum Credits. Describe in detail how the situation has been resolved. Attach your letter to the SAP appeal form for GPA/Pace or Max Time Frame.

(For example, an undergraduate student who enrolls for 12 credit hours and completes 8.5 credit hours has completed an acceptable percentage of attempted credit hours, 67% or greater.)

If the SAP appeal is denied, you are not eligible for federal student aid and will remain ineligible until you are again in compliance with SAP standards. You may continue attending college at your own expense.

Threatening, cajoling, begging, pleading, flattery and making extravagant promises are manipulative and usually ineffective methods. If you give me a chance to continue my studies, I promise to work really hard, get rich, and donate a million dollars to the University....

The approval rate of SAP (Satisfactory Academic Progress) appeals varies depending on the specific circ*mstances of the student and the policies of the institution. Generally, appeals that are well-written and supported by appropriate documentation have a higher chance of being approved.

For example, a decline in performance can be caused by psychiatric, psychological and social problems and not just physical injury. Even a learning disability, such as ADD/ADHD, can be the basis for a successful appeal, if it is severe enough to have caused the academic problems and is being treated medically.

If you fail to meet SAP standards, you will be placed on financial aid restriction. Students on financial aid restriction are not eligible to receive Federal, state, or institutional financial aid. However, you may be eligible to receive private (alternative) loans, which can be found here.

If a student attempts more than 150% of the credits required for their degree then they will fail SAP and become ineligible for any further federal financial aid. Appeals for exceeding the 150% maximum time frame are only granted in very extenuating cases. Example: 120 credit Bachelors' degree x 150% = 180 credits.

What is the GPA for SAP policy? ›

Standard #1: Grade Point Average (GPA)

Always maintain a 2.0 or higher GPA each semester and cumulatively to avoid financial aid warning and disqualification. A 2.0 GPA is required for graduation and transfer to four-year colleges and universities.

Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeal

Students may appeal twice for each academic degree. Each approved appeal must be for a different mitigating circ*mstance.

SAP Appeals are typically reviewed within 3-4 weeks from the time an appeal is submitted online and supporting documentation is reviewed and deemed Complete. Students are responsible for adhering to all fee payment deadlines, even if they have a SAP Appeal under review.

I am writing to explain the circ*mstance that hindered my performance during the past semester. I didn't perform adequately in my sciences courses, but I completed my three humanities based classes and performed well. This led me to change direction and my major, while allowing me to study an area that interested me.

A serious injury or illness (physical or mental) that required medical intervention. Significant, unanticipated family obligations due to medical issue or illness. A catastrophic loss due to fire, flood, or natural disaster that affects the student's academic attendance or performance.