Policy Details

• Grade Point Average Requirements

  All undergraduates and students pursuing a Doctorate in Pharmacy must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0.

  Beginning autumn 2016, newly matriculated law students must maintain a GPA of 2.3. Those that began their programs prior to that term are required to have a cumulative GPA of 2.0.

  Students pursuing a Doctorate in Physical Therapy must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5. All other graduate and professional students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0.

  If a student takes only remedial courses in a given term, a GPA will be calculated using the grades earned in those courses, even though the grades are not normally factored into the cumulative GPA.  The student’s SAP standing will be based on this modified GPA.

  In subsequent terms, the grades from the remedial courses will not be used in the GPA calculation, but the SAP standing calculated for that term will be used in determining a student’s SAP standing the following term.

• Pace Requirements

  All students must pass at least 67% of cumulative attempted credits. Only courses receiving grades of 'A', 'B', 'C', 'D', 'N', or 'CR' will count as completed courses. Courses with all other grades, including withdrawals ('W', 'WF', 'WP') and incomplete's ('I'), are considered unsuccessful attempts and will lower the Pace percentage. Repeated courses are counted as attempts each time they are taken.

  For calculation purposes transfer credits that are recorded as earned will be included in both the total credits attempted and the total credits earned. Transfer credits that were attempted elsewhere but did not result in earned credits will not be counted in the Pace calculation.

  Remedial courses, whether they are passed or failed, are not counted in the Pace calculation. However, no student may receive aid for more than 30 attempted remedial credits.

• Financial Aid Warning

  If at the end of a term a student fails to meet either the GPA requirement or the Pace requirement, a calculation will be done to determine if it is mathematically possible for them to come into compliance with the SAP standards within one semester, if so they will automatically be placed on financial aid warning. Students on warning continue to be eligible for financial aid for one semester. At the end of the semester of warning if their cumulative GPA and percentage of credits earned are not in compliance with both the GPA and Pace requirements they will be ineligible for financial aid and have to appeal to have their aid eligibility reinstated.

  Some students will not be able to mathematically come into compliance with the SAP standards in one semester, if this is the case they will be placed on suspension and would need to appeal to request aid reinstatement for future semesters.

• Suspension of Financial Aid Eligibility

  Students on financial aid warning who do not come back into compliance with the SAP policy in one semester will go on financial aid suspension. Students on suspension are not eligible to receive federal or state financial aid including tuition waivers. A student will remain on suspension until they come back into compliance with the policy using alternate financing or successfully appeal to have aid eligibility reinstated.

  Students who have grades changed that will result in them coming into compliance with the policy should notify the financial aid office so that their eligibility status can be reviewed. If they are indeed now eligible, then their aid eligibility will only be reinstated for the current semester.

• Appealing for Reinstatement of Aid

  If on financial aid suspension a student can appeal to have their aid eligibility reinstated. Appeals must be in writing. Though not required, the Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeal Form is available for use in the appeal process. Students should appeal as soon as they are notified of their financial aid suspension so as to give staff in the financial aid office adequate time to review the appeal prior to the start of the next semester. Appeals are reviewed daily, but can be delayed at busy times of the year.

  The written appeal must explain specifically what circumstances prevented the student from making satisfactory academic progress and what changes have occurred so that the same circumstances will not hinder future progress. Documentation confirming the student’s extenuating circumstances and confirming that the student is able to return to school is required.

  Having a documentable extenuating circumstance in and of itself is not a guarantee that an appeal will be granted. In reviewing appeals, the nature of the extenuating circumstance, the likelihood of the circumstances reoccurring and the overall academic record of the student are all considered. The more times a student appeals the less likely the appeal will be granted.

• SAP Appeal Example
  1. Example 1: 

  Subject: SAP Appeal for Fall 2024 Semester 

  Dear [Financial Aid Office], 

  I am writing to appeal the suspension of my financial aid due to not meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements during the Fall 2024 semester. I understand that my grades did not meet the university's standards, and I take full responsibility for my academic performance during that time. 

  During the Fall semester, I encountered unforeseen personal challenges that significantly impacted my ability to focus on my studies. My father, who was my main source of emotional support, passed away suddenly, leaving me emotionally distraught and struggling to cope with my loss. Additionally, I was diagnosed with a medical condition that required ongoing treatment, further affecting my ability to attend classes regularly and complete assignments on time. 

  Despite these challenges, I am determined to improve my academic standing. I have developed a comprehensive plan to ensure my success moving forward, which includes seeking counseling to cope with my grief and managing my medical condition effectively. Furthermore, I have enrolled in tutoring sessions and study groups to enhance my understanding of the course material and improve my grades. 

  To support my appeal, I have attached documentation confirming my father's passing and medical records verifying my diagnosis and treatment plan. Additionally, I have included letters from my counselor and healthcare provider outlining the support they are providing to help me overcome these challenges and succeed academically. 

  I am committed to regaining eligibility for financial aid and am confident that with the support systems in place, I will achieve academic success in the upcoming semesters. 

  Thank you for considering my appeal. 

  Sincerely, [Your Name] 

  1. Example 2: 

  Subject: SAP Appeal for Spring 2024 Semester 

  Dear [Financial Aid Office], 

  I am writing to appeal the suspension of my financial aid for the Spring 2024 semester due to not meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements. I understand that my grades fell below the university's standards, and I take full responsibility for my academic performance during that time. 

  During the Spring semester, I faced unexpected challenges that hindered my ability to focus on my studies. My part-time job, which I relied on to cover living expenses and tuition, cut back my hours significantly, leaving me with financial instability and stress. As a result, I was forced to take on additional work hours to make ends meet, leaving me with limited time to dedicate to my coursework. 

  Recognizing the need for improvement, I have developed a comprehensive plan to address these challenges and ensure my academic success moving forward. I have secured a more stable source of income and adjusted my work schedule to prioritize my studies. Additionally, I have sought assistance from academic advisors and faculty members to create a realistic study plan that accommodates my work commitments. 

  To support my appeal, I have attached documentation confirming the reduction in my work hours and my revised work schedule. Furthermore, I have included letters from my academic advisor and employer, affirming their support and acknowledging the steps I am taking to improve my academic performance. 

  I am committed to regaining eligibility for financial aid and am confident that with the adjustments made, I will excel academically in the upcoming semesters. 

  Thank you for considering my appeal. 

  Sincerely, [Your Name] 

  1. Example 3: 

  Subject: SAP Appeal for Summer 2024 Semester 

  Dear [Financial Aid Office], 

  I am writing to appeal the suspension of my financial aid for the Summer 2024 semester due to not meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements. I acknowledge that my grades did not meet the university's standards, and I take full responsibility for my academic performance during that time. 

  During the Summer semester, I encountered significant challenges that impacted my ability to succeed academically. I was diagnosed with anxiety disorder, which intensified during the semester and affected my ability to concentrate on my studies and attend classes regularly. Additionally, I faced financial difficulties due to unexpected medical expenses associated with my diagnosis, causing further stress and distraction. 

  In response to these challenges, I have taken proactive steps to address my mental health and financial situation. I have started attending counseling sessions regularly to manage my anxiety and develop coping mechanisms to improve my focus and academic performance. Moreover, I have reached out to the university's financial aid office to explore additional funding options and support services available to students experiencing financial hardship. 

  To support my appeal, I have attached documentation confirming my diagnosis of anxiety disorder and medical bills incurred during the semester. Additionally, I have included a letter from my counselor outlining the treatment plan and progress I have made in managing my anxiety. 

  I am committed to regaining eligibility for financial aid and am confident that with the support systems in place, I will achieve academic success in the upcoming semesters. 

  Thank you for considering my appeal. 

  Sincerely, [Your Name] 

  1. Example 4 

  Subject: SAP Appeal for Fall 2024 Semester 

  Dear [Financial Aid Office], 

  I am writing to appeal the suspension of my financial aid for the Fall 2024 semester due to not meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements. I understand and accept responsibility for my academic performance during this period. 

  During the Fall semester, I encountered unforeseen circumstances that significantly impacted my ability to maintain the required GPA. In September, I was involved in a serious car accident that resulted in injuries requiring extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation. As a result of the accident, I missed several weeks of classes and was unable to complete assignments and exams on time. 

  In response to the challenges posed by my recovery, I have taken several steps to improve my academic performance and ensure future success. Despite the physical and emotional toll of the accident, I communicated with my professors to arrange accommodations for missed coursework and exams. Additionally, I utilized academic support services such as tutoring and study groups to catch up on missed material and strengthen my understanding of course content. 

  To support my appeal, I have attached documentation related to the car accident, including medical records and a police report detailing the incident. Furthermore, I have included letters from my healthcare providers outlining the extent of my injuries and the treatment plan implemented to aid in my recovery. 

  I am committed to regaining eligibility for financial aid and am confident that with the support systems in place, I will achieve academic success in the upcoming semesters. 

  Thank you for considering my appeal. 

  Sincerely, [Your Name] 

• Conditions if an Appeal is Granted

  Most students whose appeals are granted will be placed on extended eligibility. Students on extended eligibility are considered to be on an academic plan. Students on extended eligibility will be allowed to continue to receive aid until they come back into compliance with the SAP policy as long as they meet the SAP standards measured on a term by term basis. In other words, if an undergraduate is on extended eligibility they will continue to be eligible as long as they earn a term GPA of at least a 2.0 and pass 67% of the credits attempted each term.

  In limited situations a student may be placed on financial aid probation. Students on probation have one semester to come back into compliance with the SAP policy or they will be on financial aid suspension again. Similarly, in limited situations some students who are on an academic plan (extended aid eligibility) will have additional stipulations such as a limited course load or being required to seek assistance from academic support staff.

  Students who fail to meet the terms of the academic plan or who were on probation and failed to come back into compliance in one term will once again be placed on financial aid suspension.

• Denied Appeals

  If a student's appeal is denied, the letter they receive will include the reason the appeal was denied.

  Appeals are most often not approved because:

  • The explanation the student gives for why they did poorly academically is not considered an extenuating circumstance (what constitutes an extenuating circumstance is detailed on the appeal form)
  • The student did not provide adequate documentation supporting their claim of an extenuating circumstance

  Sometimes a student adequately documents an extenuating circumstance but the appeal is denied because:

  • The circumstance hasn't resolved to the point that the student could be reasonably expected to succeed in the immediate term
  • The student has such a poor academic record (usually multiple appeals) that no more appeals are likely to be granted until the student improves their academic performance

  Students whose appeals are denied should contact the financial aid office to speak with a senior staff member. That individual will be able to determine if there is additional documentation that can be submitted to reverse the decision of the committee. They will also be able to discuss what other options are available to the student until their eligibility is reinstated.

• Reestablishing Eligibility

  Students who choose not to appeal their ineligibility, or who have an appeal denied, will have their eligibility reinstated once they come back into compliance with the policy. This means that they will need to find alternate means of funding their education until they are once again eligible.

  Senior staff in the financial aid office are available to outline exactly what a student needs to do to come into compliance with both the GPA and Pace component of the SAP policy. They can also suggest alternate means for paying for classes.

• Grade Changes

  The financial aid office will automatically recalculate a student's SAP status if a grade change is submitted by an instructor for the term immediately preceding the current semester. This includes changing grades of I (incomplete), N (course in progress) and MG (missing grade) to a passing grade.

  Grade changes for coursework older than the most recent term will be reflected when the financial aid office reviews SAP standing at the end of the term. If a student wants it reviewed sooner, they will need to specifically request to have the financial aid office reevaluate their SAP status.

  All grade changes must be reflected on a student's transcript before the SAP status will be recalculated.

• Academic Forgiveness

  If a student takes advantage of the Academic Forgiveness policy their GPA will be adjusted. However, all “forgiven” credits will still be considered in the Pace calculation as attempted credits. They will not be counted as earned credits even if they previously received a passing grade.