SATISFACTORY ACADEMIC PROGRESS

Federal regulations require that schools participating in federal financial aid programs determine whether students are progressing through their programs of study in a satisfactory ’qualitative’ academic manner (Grade Point Average), and at a satisfactory ’quantitative’ rate (credits completed vs. credits attempted).  This requires the Financial Aid Office to make a determination that all applicants are eligible for financial assistance based on their prior academic records (whether or not they ever received financial aid). DCC students who wish to be considered for financial aid must maintain satisfactory progress in their selected course of study by meeting the following requirements:

• 2.0 GPA
• 67% Completion Rate
• Timely progression toward degree completion (see Maximum Credit Limit below)

GPA and Completion Rate

GPA and completion rate is evaluated at the end of each term.  The number of credits you must complete will depend upon your enrollment level at the time of disbursement.  The charts below summarize the three levels of academic progress and the effect your grades and completion rate will have on your financial aid.

Good Standing

If your enrollment level at the time of disbursement is	And you complete	And your Term GPA is	Your SAP status will be	FA Eligibility
Full Time (12+ credits)	8+ credits	2.0 or higher	Good Standing	You may receive grants, work-study, scholarships, and loans.
3/4 Time (9-11 credits)	6+ credits
1/2 Time (6-8 credits)	4+ credits
Less than 1/2 Time (1-5 credits)	1+ credit

 

Probation

If your enrollment level at the time of disbursement is	And you complete at least	OR your Term GPA is	Your SAP status will be	FA Eligibility
Full Time (12+ credits)	6-7 credits	Between 1.75 - 1.99	Probation	You may receive grants, work-study, scholarships, and loans while on probation, but you must complete your probationary term in Good Standing to avoid FA Suspension.
3/4 Time (9-11 credits)	5 credits
1/2 Time (6-8 credits)	3 credits
Less than 1/2 Time (1-5 credits)	n/a

**Two consecutive Probation terms will result in FA Suspension**

 

FA Suspension

If your enrollment level at the time of disbursement is	And you complete at least	OR your Term GPA is	Your SAP status will be	FA Eligibility
Full Time (12+ credits)	0-5 credits	Below 1.75	FA Suspension	You cannot receive grants, work-study, and loans, until your FA Suspension status is resolved. Some Scholarships and other resources may also be unavailable.
3/4 Time (9-11 credits)	0-4 credits
1/2 Time (6-8 credits)	0-2 credits
Less than 1/2 Time (1-5 credits)	0 credits

 

For Financial Aid Purposes, satisfactory completion means a student has received a minimum grade of D or S (satisfactory in pass/fail class).  Grades of I (incomplete), F (failed), W (withdraw), U (unsatisfactory), or N (audit no grade) are not considered acceptable in maintaining academic progress.

Appeal Process

A student who has been denied financial assistance or who has been placed on financial aid suspension because of failure to maintain satisfactory progress may appeal in writing to the Financial Aid Appeals Committee.  All appeals are dealt with on a case-by-case basis.

To appeal, a student must be able to demonstrate the existence of mitigating circumstances.  Mitigating circumstances are defined as, but not limited to, injury or illness of the student, death of a relative, change in employment situation, or undue hardship caused by unusual circumstances.  The following steps shall be taken in the appeal process:

 

•  The student will indicate in writing to the Director of Financial Aid the reason(s) why he/she did not make satisfactory academic progress and why financial aid should not be terminated.  Documentation to support the appeal is strongly encouraged.  The appeal must be received two days prior to the next scheduled appeal meeting.
• The Director of Financial Aid will share the appeal with the Financial Aid Committee who will review the appeal and determine whether or not termination of aid is justified.  The student will be advised of the decision in writing.  An approved appeal will allow the student ONE additional semester on probation.  The Committee’s decision is final and may not be appealed further.

 

Reinstatement  

A student whose financial assistance has been suspended for failure to make satisfactory progress may reestablish eligibility in one of two ways: 1) petition the Financial Aid Appeals Committee for reinstatement of financial assistance; or 2) enroll (at the same academic level) for a subsequent semester(s) at his/her own expense until satisfactory academic progress is achieved.  However, independent study and/or challenge courses taken after aid has been canceled may not be included. If a student chooses Option 2, the student must submit written notification to the Financial Aid Office when this has been accomplished before aid eligibility will be reinstated.

 

 A student who ceased attendance at DCC and who was not making satisfactory progress at the time is reinstated provided that the student has not been enrolled at DCC for a period of at least three calendar years.  Such a student shall be on financial aid probation.

Maximum Credit Limit

To quantify academic progress, a school must set a maximum time frame in which a student is expected to complete a program. For an undergraduate program, the maximum time frame cannot exceed 150% of the published length of the program measured in credit hours attempted (i.e. an AS degree requires 60 credits for graduation so maximum time frame would be 90 attempted credits). Hours earned at DCC, as well as hours transferred and accepted by DCC are considered in this maximum time frame. Students who have exceeded the maximum time frame and/or who mathematically cannot finish the program within this period will be considered ineligible for financial aid.

DCC understands that students may change their educational goals and programs of study, and that additional education is often needed to enhance career opportunities.  These students may provide a written request for reevaluation of their status.

Financial aid is limited to two earned degrees/certificates while at DCC; exceptions are considered on a case-by-case basis. Students who have received one Associate Degree and are re-enrolling to obtain a second degree must inform the Financial Aid Office in writing which degree he/she will be seeking.  The student will be funded for only the credit hours needed to achieve the second degree.

 

Implemented Fall 2009