Enrollment Management Electronic Newsletter

Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeal Process--the Advisor's Role

Students who do not meet the institution's standards for Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) for financial aid have the option to appeal. As part of the appeal process, students must not only provide a detailed statement outlining why they did not meet the policy, they must also meet with their academic advisor to develop an academic plan for success.

The most common standards that students do not meet of the SAP policy are: cumulative GPA is below the minimum, total passed hours are not at least 70% of total attempted hours, and attempted more than 192 hours. The academic plan must address students' unique circumstance. How will they improve their GPA? What is the quickest path to graduation?

Some examples: students who are not meeting the minimum GPA may need to consider repeating coursework; students who are not passing at least 70% of their attempted hours may need to take a reduced class load; students who have attempted more than 192 hours must document the classes needed for graduation with an anticipated graduation date.

It is imperative that advisors assist their advisees in this process to ensure that students are on the right track. Generally, the Office of Financial Aid will require that the student follow the advisor's direction as part of the approval process. Should students not follow the objective set forth by the advisor, future appeals will not be granted.

http://www.shepherd.edu/faoweb/