Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
In order to maintain eligibility for financial aid and veterans benefits, students are expected to meet minimum progress standards in both competency-based and traditional programs. There are both qualitative (GPA) and quantitative (credit completion) measures that students are expected to meet to maintain eligibility. SAP is measured at the end of each semester for all coursework. Students who do not meet the minimum standards are notified electronically after the end of each semester.
Students must meet all of the minimum standards listed below:
- Minimum cumulative 2.0 GPA for all coursework
- 67% completion rate of all attempted coursework
- Ability to complete the program within 150% of the established standard time to completion
Minimum Cumulative 2.0 GPA – qualitative measure
Because academic performance is measured cumulatively, students who achieve a minimum 2.0 GPA each semester will also achieve the minimum cumulative 2.0 GPA.
Competency-based and traditional coursework may have different grading scales. Because of this, it is possible to have a GPA lower than or equal to a 2.0 each semester and/or cumulatively while mastering all competencies while enrolled in a competency-based program.
67% Completion Rate of All Attempted Coursework – quantitative measure
Coursework is considered attempted if a class is begun or a competency lesson opened. Coursework and competencies are considered completed when a letter grade of A, B, C, or D is received. Grades other than A, B, C, or D indicate that the competency or course was not completed and credit was not received.
Example 1: A student enrolls in 18 credits for a semester. These credits may be for competencies or general education courses. The student completes 16 of the 18 credits during the semester. This is an 88.88% completion rate and meets the standard. (16 ÷ 18 = 0.8888, or 88.88%)
Example 2: A student enrolls in 12 credits for a semester. These credits may be for competencies or general education courses. The student completes 6 of the 12 credits during the semester. This is a 50% completion rate and does not meet the standard. (6 ÷ 12 = .05000, or 50%)
Ability to Complete within 150% of Established Timeframe – quantitative measure
Students must remain on track to complete their declared program within 150% of the established time to completion. Established program lengths are published in the catalog. For example, if a program’s established time to completion is 64 credits, a student may extend this to 96 credits and still maintain eligibility:
64 credits x 150% = 96 credits
In the case of competency-based programs, it should be noted that students are required to enroll in and complete a minimum of 12 credits per semester to establish full time status. Enrollment in 12 credits per semester does not guarantee that a student will be able to complete the program within the established time to completion. Students are expected to work directly with their CBE Faculty to determine the actual number of credits to be completed each semester.
If it becomes mathematically impossible for a student to complete the program within the 150% timeframe, they are no longer eligible.
Failure to Meet Minimum Standards
Students who fail to meet the minimum SAP standards will lose eligibility for upcoming semesters until the minimum standards are met.
Appealing the SAP Decision
When SAP standards are not met and a student loses eligibility, it is possible to appeal the decision. Students choosing to appeal the decision must submit the following items:
- Appeal form – available in Self Service
- Documentation of the situation that occurred – this will vary based on the situation
- Academic Success Plan – completed with an Advisor or CBE Faculty
The Advisor and/or CBE Faculty will assist the student in submitting the appeal to the SAP Committee. Incomplete appeals will not be reviewed.
Once submitted, the SAP Committee will review the appeal and determine whether eligibility can be extended. If the appeal is granted, the student’s eligibility will be restored under the conditions of the appeal. Academic performance will continue to be monitored. Eligibility is continued if minimum standards are met or the student completes the Academic Success Plan, as it is written, until the minimum standards are met.
If the appeal is denied, the student may choose to continue their education at their own expense. At such time that the student is meeting minimum standards, eligibility will be restored. Students are not reimbursed for expenses incurred during periods of ineligibility.
The decision of the SAP Committee is final.