Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
PURPOSE:
Federal regulations (CFR 668.34) require institutions of higher education to establish, publish and regularly apply standards of Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) for Federal Student Aid (Title IV) eligibility. The purpose of measuring and enforcing SAP standards is to ensure that students who are supported by Federal Student Aid funds, are progressing towards academic program completion in accordance with the institutions’ academic standards with respect to qualitative performance (e.g., GPA) and at a required pace, within a maximum time frame. While federal regulations prescribe the framework and minimum standards for SAP, each institution must define and implement its own SAP requirements at the level of each program or school. The University of Maryland Eastern Shore complies with federal SAP regulations by defining and implementing compliant SAP standards for all academic programs. To be eligible for Federal Student Aid (Federal Pell Grant, Federal SEOG, Federal Work Study, Federal Perkins Loan, Federal Direct/PLUS loan),State Aid or Institutional Aid an otherwise eligible student must meet or exceed the SAP standards set by his or her school or program at the time SAP is assessed.
POLICY:
It is the policy of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore to develop standards of SAP in accordance with federal requirements. The University’s SAP policy measures quantity (number of credits completed vs. those attempted) and quality (grade point average), maximum time frames for completion and measures progress incrementally. Financial Aid Applicants must comply with the SAP policy as a condition of initial or continued eligibility. The Office of Student Financial Aid will review SAP at the end of the fall, spring and summer semesters. The SAP policy for financial aid is administered separately and independently of the University’s Academic Progress Policy administered by the Office of the Registrar. Please note that your prior academic progress will be measured to determine your eligibility.
Graduate / Undergraduate Student SAP Policy
Failure to meet minimum SAP requirements
Any student who fails to meet minimum SAP requirements will be placed on warning. If a student is placed on warning, he or she does not need to appeal, because financial aid eligibility has not been revoked. If, at the end of the warning period the student does not meet the minimum requirements for SAP, all aid will be suspended for the following semester. In order to meet warning period requirements, students must come into full compliance with the SAP policy (meeting minimum GPA and percentage requirements). Students who are placed on financial aid warning are encouraged to seek academic and/or personal counseling. Counseling services can provide the student with additional support which may help alleviate obstacles that hinder satisfactory academic progress. Students who are on financial aid warning/probation are further encouraged to consult with a financial aid counselor prior to withdrawing from any classes or if midterm grades are failures.
As long as a student is meeting all requirements of the Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy, they are considered in “good standing” for financial aid.
Requesting Reinstatement of Aid (Appeal)
Aid may be reinstated on probation or academic plan status by an approved appeal. A student who has had his/her financial aid eligibility terminated has the right to make a written appeal if extenuating circumstances exist and can be documented OR if the student met all minimum enrollment and GPA requirements while on warning/probation/academic plan . If aid is not reinstated, suspension will remain in effect. Non-enrollment at UMES does not restore eligibility (i.e. – enrollment at another institution or “sitting out” a semester).
Submitting an Appeal
Students who wish to appeal the determination that satisfactory academic progress has not been maintained, may do so by submitting an appeal form, a personal statement, all supporting documentation and approved academic improvement plan from CAAS and or advisor, to the Office of Student Financial Aid within ten (10) days of the date of notification that aid has been suspended.
Additional Information
Academic dismissal or disciplinary suspension from UMES will result in the automatic cancellation of financial aid eligibility.
Only matriculating students (formally admitted) can receive financial aid.
Students ceasing attendance at UMES, either officially by withdrawing through the Registrar’s Office or unofficially by dropping out, will have their financial aid adjusted in accordance with the Federal Return of Title IV Funds Refund Policy.
