Academic Progress Policy
Last Updated: January 11, 2026
Purpose
This policy establishes standards for Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) that students must maintain to continue enrollment and remain eligible for financial aid. Federal regulations require institutions to monitor student progress toward program completion.
Satisfactory Academic Progress Standards
Three Components of SAP
Students must meet ALL three standards:
1. Qualitative Standard (GPA)
- Maintain minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA
- Calculated on 4.0 scale
- Includes all attempted courses
2. Quantitative Standard (Completion Rate)
- Complete at least 67% of attempted credits/hours
- Calculated cumulatively
- Includes withdrawals and incompletes
3. Maximum Timeframe
- Complete program within 150% of published length
- Example: 12-week program must finish within 18 weeks
- Includes all enrollment periods
Progress Evaluation
Evaluation Schedule
SAP is evaluated:
- At the end of each payment period (for financial aid)
- At mid-program checkpoints
- Upon program completion
- Before re-enrollment in new programs
What Counts in Evaluation
Included in SAP calculation:
- All courses attempted (passed, failed, withdrawn)
- Repeated courses
- Transfer credits accepted
- Incompletes (count as attempted but not completed)
Not included:
- Courses dropped before add/drop deadline
- Audited courses
- Non-credit courses
Academic Standing Categories
Good Standing
Student meets all three SAP standards:
- GPA ≥ 2.0
- Completion rate ≥ 67%
- Within maximum timeframe
Status: Eligible for continued enrollment and financial aid
Academic Warning
Student fails to meet one or more SAP standards for first time:
- Notified of deficiency
- Required to meet with advisor
- Develop improvement plan
- One evaluation period to improve
Status: Remains eligible for financial aid during warning period
Academic Probation
Student on warning fails to meet SAP standards again:
- Placed on probation
- Must appeal to continue
- Academic plan required
- Frequent progress monitoring
- May have enrollment restrictions
Status: Financial aid eligibility suspended unless appeal approved
Academic Dismissal
Student on probation fails to meet SAP standards or academic plan:
- Dismissed from program
- Financial aid terminated
- May reapply after one term
- Must demonstrate readiness to succeed
Status: Not eligible for enrollment or financial aid
Appeal Process
Grounds for Appeal
Students may appeal SAP suspension due to:
- Serious illness or injury
- Death of immediate family member
- Significant personal or family emergency
- Other extraordinary circumstances beyond student control
How to Appeal
- Submit written appeal within 10 business days
Include explanation of circumstances and how they affected performance
- Provide documentation
Medical records, death certificates, police reports, etc.
- Develop academic plan
Work with advisor to create plan for meeting SAP standards
- Committee review
SAP Appeals Committee reviews appeal and supporting documents
- Decision notification
Receive decision within 15 business days
Appeal Outcomes
- Approved: Placed on probation with academic plan; financial aid reinstated
- Denied: Dismissal stands; may reapply after one term
- Conditional: Additional requirements or restrictions imposed
Academic Plans
Plan Requirements
Academic plans must include:
- Specific, measurable goals for each evaluation period
- Strategies for improving performance
- Support services to be utilized (tutoring, counseling, etc.)
- Timeline for meeting SAP standards
- Consequences for not meeting plan requirements
Monitoring
Students on academic plans are monitored closely:
- Regular meetings with advisor
- Progress checks at mid-point
- Mandatory use of support services
- Attendance tracking
- Grade monitoring
Special Circumstances
Course Repeats
Students may repeat failed courses. Both attempts count in SAP calculation. Only the highest grade counts toward GPA, but all attempts count toward completion rate and maximum timeframe.
Withdrawals
Withdrawals count as attempted but not completed credits. Multiple withdrawals significantly impact completion rate. Students should consult advisors before withdrawing.
Program Changes
Changing programs may affect SAP. All attempted credits count, even if not applicable to new program. Consult with registrar before changing programs.
Financial Aid Impact
SAP and Financial Aid
Federal regulations require financial aid recipients to maintain SAP:
- Failure to meet SAP results in loss of federal aid
- Includes Pell Grants, student loans, work-study
- Also affects state and institutional aid
- Aid can be reinstated after meeting SAP or successful appeal
Reinstatement
Regaining Good Standing
To regain good standing:
- Meet all three SAP standards
- Complete requirements of academic plan (if applicable)
- Demonstrate sustained improvement
- Clear any conduct or financial holds
Contact Information
For questions about academic progress:
- Email: Contact Us
- Phone: (317) 314-3757
- SAP Appeals: Contact Us
- Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM EST
Related Policies: