Keeping Your Aid
Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy (SAP) Update – Implementation end fall 2011 after grade posting
IMPORTANT: Read the complete SAP policy handout attached below.
Why is there a change?
The U.S. Department of Education recently published new regulations in an effort to ensure program integrity at higher education institutions. These regulations were designed to ensure that only eligible students receive aid. Colleges and universities across the nation are reviewing and updating their SAP policies.
What are the new policy requirements?
Starting with fall semester 2011 at Cornish, the following requirements are in effect:
Evaluation Period: Student compliance with SAP requirements will continue to be monitored every semester at Cornish.
New Warning Status: A student, not meeting cumulative 2.0 GPA and 66.67% completion rate or pace of progression (minimum standards) for the semester, will be placed on financial aid warning. The student in warning status will continue to receive aid for one semester. At the end of the semester, the student continuing not to meet minimum standards will not be eligible for financial aid.
New Appeal Process: A student no longer eligible for aid may appeal to the Financial Aid office for one semester of probationary status during which aid may be disbursed if the appeal reaches approval. New student appeal guidelines are more restrictive and will require documentation of circumstance. Successful appeals will also have more restrictive conditions such as the necessity of a learning plan to maintain eligibility.
Transfer Credits: Transfer credits used toward program requirements will now count when calculating completion rate.
Return to Good Standing: Students who again meet the cumulative minimums will return to good standing and be eligible to receive financial aid.
What will not change in the new policy?
- No change to qualitative - maintain a cumulative 2.0 grade point average.
- No change to timeframe - maximum timeframe to complete a program at full-time enrollment is 150%.
- Quantitative is now, pace - maintain a 66.67% completion rate, or pace of progression at each evaluation period or semester.
What should students do now to prepare for the new changes?
Current Cornish students should become familiar with their SAP status. Students should also be mindful about future course selection and the completion of current credits. It is not necessary to meet with a financial aid advisor at this time to discuss the new policy.
