Satisfactory Academic Progress

SAP – it’s not just for making syrup anymore!

Today’s Agenda

• Recent changes to the Federal SAP regulations

• SAP Evaluation – Standards, Timelines• Appeal Processes• Inclusion of transfer credits• Repeated coursework

Basic Components of SAP policy

• Qualitative Standard – is student at a high enough gpa to reach graduation standards

• Quantitative Standard – is student completing enough hours to finish program within maximum time frame?

• Maximum Time frame - will the undergraduate student complete the program within maximum time frame?

• Evaluation schedule – how often will SAP be reviewed?

Statutory Authority

• All SAP regulations are now consolidated in CFR 668.34

• 668.32 (f) includes SAP with other eligibility requirements

What is different?

• New SAP regulations clearly outline required elements that must be present in an institutional SAP policy

• Institutions that monitor SAP each payment period have more flexibility

• SAP is an admin capability requirement

What is different? cont’d

• Appeal Process– New terminology: Financial aid warning,

financial aid probation, pace– Requirements of an academic plan

• Inclusion of transfer work• Repeated coursework

New terminology

• Financial aid warning• Financial aid probation• Academic Plan• Pace

Financial Aid Appeal

• How student may re-establish eligibility• The basis on which a student may appeal• In the Appeal– Why the student failed to make SAP?– What has changed that will allow student to

demonstrate SAP at end of next evaluation?

Academic Plan

• Academic Plan for an approved appeal may state specific conditions that must be met

• Register for fewer classes• Certain term grade point average• May take only certain courses• As simple as a calculation or a detailed course

schedule• May require buy-in from other offices

UMSL’s policy

• Undergraduates• Graduates – master’s vs. PhD• Optometry• Readmits• Transfers• Repeated Coursework

References

• Federal Register – June 18, 2010 - Notice of proposed rulemaking

• Federal Register – October 29, 2010 – Final regulations

• NASFAA

Questions

Contact Information

• Samantha Matchefts• Senior Associate Director• Student Financial Aid• University of Missouri-St. Louis• samantha.matchefts@umsl.edu