Satisfactory Academic Progress (Ends 7/31/07)
Financial Aid Standards of Satisfactory Academic Progress | General Guideline | Maximum Timeframe | Exception on Pursuing Third Major | Financial Aid Probation | Financial Aid Suspension | Appeal Process
Financial Aid Standards of Satisfactory Academic Progress
Federal regulations require that all students receiving Federal Title IV Financial Aid funds maintain standards of satisfactory academic progress in the pursuit of their degree or certificate. Satisfactory academic progress is defined as passing a required number of hours and achieving a required grade point average during any semester or academic year. Federal regulations require that your entire academic history be considered. This includes semesters or terms during which you did not receive financial aid.
Satisfactory academic progress shall be monitored annually, at the conclusion of each summer semester for the preceding fall/spring/summer academic year. The cumulative grade point average will be based on student's classification at the time SAP is run. It is the student's responsibility to stay informed of the University's SAP standards and to monitor their progress.
This policy provides the framework for monitoring the standards for satisfactory academic progress for students to be eligible to participate in the federal Title IV financial aid programs. To remain eligible, you must:
- Maintain the required cumulative grade point average (GPA)
- Complete the minimum number of credit hours associated with your classification listed below
- Complete your degree or certificate within the maximum allowable timeframe
General Guidelines
12 or more credit hours enrolled per semester Required GPA
| Classification | |
| Freshmen | pass at least 9 hours 1.50 |
| Sophomores | pass at least 9 hours 1.75 |
| Juniors/Seniors | pass at least 12 hours 2.00 |
| Graduate Students | pass at least 12 hours 3.00 |
9-11 credit hours enrolled per semester
| Classification | |
| Freshmen | pass at least 6 hours 1.50 |
| Sophomores | pass at least 6 hours 1.75 |
| Juniors/Seniors | pass at least 9 hours 2.00 |
| Graduate Students | pass at least 9 hours 3.00 |
6-credit hours enrolled per semester
| Classification | |
| Freshmen | pass at least 3 hours 1.50 |
| Sophomores | pass at least 3 hours 1.75 |
| Juniors/Seniors | pass at least 6 hours 2.00 |
| Graduate Students | pass at least 6 hours 3.00 |
5 or below credit hours enrolled per semester
| Classification | |
| Freshmen | all hours pursued 1.50 |
| Sophomores | all hours pursued 1.75 |
| Juniors/Seniors | all hours pursued 2.00 |
| Graduate Students | all hours pursued 3.00 |
Maximum Time Frame
The maximum timeframe of credit hours a student may pursue and be considered eligible for financial aid is as follows:
| Degree | Maximum Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Associate Degree Program | 90 credit hours pursued |
| 2nd Associates Degree Program | 45 credit hours beyond 1st Associate Degree |
| Bachelors Degree Program (4 years) | 180 credit hours pursued |
| 2nd Bachelors Degree | 60 credit hours beyond 1st Bachelors Degree |
| Alternate Teacher Certification | 45 credit hours beyond 1st Bachelors Degree |
| Masters Degree Program | 48 credit hours beyond Bachelors Degree |
| 2nd Masters Degree | 25 credit hours beyond 1st Masters Degree |
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Students seeking a third bachelors or masters degree will not be considered eligible for federal financial aid.
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Students seeking double majors must complete their degree program for the primary major within the limits set for that major. Students requiring more hours to complete their double major program of study may appeal for extended hours.
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The above limits were based on averages for the University's certificate and degree programs. If a student is enrolled in a program that requires a greater number of hours, the additional hours will be considered.
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The definition of "hours pursued" includes all hours (courses) enrolled as of the close of registration in which a grade was awarded, except classes that were audited. Audited classes are not included in hours pursued. All courses on the transcript, including those with W, P, NC, U, I, F count toward the total hours pursued and will adversely impact the percent of completion. Hours pursued also include any suspended, non-credit remedial, developmental, repeat, and transfer hours. These standards apply to all students applying for federal financial aid, regardless of whether or not financial aid was received for all or part of the hours pursued.
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A student who has reached the maximum timeframe of hours pursued without earning the degree must be excluded from further participation in federal financial aid programs.
Financial Aid Probation
Students who do not meet the minimum SAP standards will be placed on financial aid probation. Students are eligible to receive financial aid during the financial aid probation period.
Financial Aid Suspension
At the conclusion of the probationary period, if the minimum standards are not met, the student will be placed on financial aid suspension. If the student is placed on Academic suspension, they will also be on Financial Aid suspension. Students on financial aid suspension are NOT eligible to receive financial aid. Financial aid eligibility may be regained by enrolling at the student's own expense and completing the required number of pursued hours with the required GPA for one full academic year. The mere passage of time will not restore eligibility to a student who has lost eligibility for failure to make satisfactory academic progress. The student may also appeal for financial aid reinstatement if unusual circumstances beyond his/her control prevented him/her from meeting satisfactory academic progress (see appeals process).
Students not meeting these established criteria may seek to appeal if mitigating circumstances affect academic performance. Mitigating circumstances are defined as a change in program study, illness, death of a family member, or other traumatic life-altering events of the student. These circumstances are normally based on some unusual situation or condition that prevented them from completing the required hours. The appeal may not be based upon the need for assistance or the lack of knowledge that the assistance was in jeopardy.
Appeal decisions require approximately ten (10) business days. Students are encouraged to submit their appeal as soon as possible upon notification of financial aid suspension, but no later than five (5) business days prior to the first day of class in the semester which reinstatement is being requested. Appeals must be submitted in writing and must include complete and appropriate supporting documentation. Approved appeals are for current semesters only and will not be retroactive for any semester(s). Once financial aid appeals are approved, the following criteria must be met:
- Undergraduate students must earn at least a 2.0 GPA each semester on all pursued hours and complete the minimum number of hours shown above.
- Graduate students must earn a 3.0 cumulative GPA each semester on all pursued hours and complete the minimum number of hours shown above.
Students who lose their federal financial aid eligibility will automatically be re-instated after any academic year in which Satisfactory Academic Progress was achieved. The Financial Aid Office will notify students who regain their eligibility. Students who are unsure of their situation should contact their financial aid counselor. All appeals should be mailed or faxed to:
The Financial Aid Appeals Committee
Southeastern Louisiana University
SLU 10768
Hammond, LA 70402
Fax: (985) 549-5077
Telephone: (985) 549-224