Financial Aid: Academic Progress
Students receiving financial assistance
under the federally supported Title IV Programs/Veteran's Benefits
must comply with the following set of standards to be eligible for
such assistance. Academic Progress is measured on an academic year
basis. Measurement is conducted at the close of the spring
semester. An academic year runs from the beginning of the fall
semester to the end of the spring semester.
There are more than one condition that is
being monitored to determine a student’s Satisfactory Academic
Progress (SAP) for financial aid applicants. SAP is measured
by quantitative and qualitative standards and is an assessment of
your cumulative academic record at Western Connecticut State
University.
Students applying for financial aid must
be matriculated and must maintain that quality of academic
performance required to remain a matriculated undergraduate or
graduate student at the University.
Qualitative measure of academic performance:
-
An undergraduate student must maintain a cumulative GPA of:
1.7 or higher with up to 30 credits attempted or
- A graduate student must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
Quantitative measure of
academic performance:
-
Pace: Matriculated undergraduate and graduate students must successfully complete two thirds (67%) of credits attempted. All attempted credits resulting in either an academic grade or administrative notation will be included in the quantitative calculation. Incomplete courses, course withdrawals, course repetitions and noncredit remedial courses will be included in the assessment. Transfer credits will be counted as attempted and earned credits in the calculation for determining satisfactory academic progress.
-
Speed of completion for Degree: Undergraduate and graduate students may receive financial aid for attempted credits in your program of study that do not exceed 150% of the published credit of your educational program at the University. This 150% credit rule is also applicable to students who have changed majors, seek a dual degree or second degree. This component of the Satisfactory Academic Progress requirement is not subject to the appeal process as explained in the October 29, 2010 Federal Register. An example is if a bachelor’s degree program requires 120 credits for completion, you must complete the program with no more than 180 attempted credits.
Alternatives for Completion of
Academic Progress
-
Undergraduate and graduate students who do not attain the above pace of Satisfactory Academic Progress may complete the needed hours in Winter Intersession and Summer Sessions. The student needs to submit in writing to the Office of Student Financial Services, that they have completed their credits.
-
You may submit an appeal for reinstatement of your financial aid if you did not successfully complete the qualitative measure (GPA), the Pace requirement listed under the quantitative measure, or a combination of both. Appeals may be based on, death of a relative, injury or illness of the student or other special circumstances. SAP appeals must be written using the Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeal form and submitted with supporting documentation and a written explanation of what has changed that will allow you to complete Satisfactory Academic Progress during the next academic year. This form should be submitted to the SAP Appeal Committee, C/O Undergraduate Admissions Office, Old Main 201.
Title IV Programs are:
Federal Pell Grant
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity
Grant
Federal College Work-Study
Federal Perkins Loan Program
Federal Direct Student Loan Program:
Subsidized Student Loans
Unsubsidized Student Loans
Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students
*Please note, the majority of State and University funded grants as well as certain alternative loan programs also adhere to the Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy.
