Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy
To be eligible for Federal Student Aid, the U.S. Department of Education requires all Dickinson State University degree (or eligible certificate) seeking students to maintain satisfactory academic progress (SAP). SAP requirements apply to all terms, including summer, and to (both aid and non-aid recipient) students, regardless of enrollment status. SAP requirements are determined based on the grade point average (GPA) that a student must achieve at each evaluation and pace of progression (to ensure completion within the 66 2/3% maximum time frame). [NOTE: Incompletes, withdrawals, repetitions, and transfer hours accepted toward completion of a student’s program count as hours attempted.]
GPA
GPA: In order to meet the minimum requirements of Satisfactory Academic Progress with respect to GPA, a student will need to have an academic standing consistent with the requirement for graduation from their program at the end of the first, second, and third semesters. Students who do not have 2.0 GPA at the end of the first or second term will receive an information letter; students who do not have a 2.0 GPA at the end of the third term will be placed on Financial Aid Warning. Students may continue to receive aid for one payment period; no appeal is necessary.
At the end of the fourth semester of attendance, a student must have a 2.0 or better GPA regardless of enrollment status or program. The student’s current and cumulative GPA (including transfer credits) will be used to determine eligibility. Students who do not have a 2.0 GPA will be placed on *Financial Aid Disqualification.
PACE
In order to meet the minimum requirements of Satisfactory Academic Progress with respect to credits attempted, students must complete 66 2/3% of the credits they attempt. This percentage will be calculated for both current and cumulative credits (including transfer credits). For example: The maximum time frame for an associate degree program is (64 credit hours x 150%) 96 credits; 64/96 is the pace of 66 2/3%. The maximum time frame for a bachelor degree program is (128 credit hours x 150%) 192 credits; 128/192 is the pace of 66 2/3%. The maximum time frame for two four-year/double degree (not double major) program is (160 credit hours x 150%) 240 credits or as per catalog. Students need to complete 66 2/3% of the credits attempted, regardless of enrollment status or program.
Students who are approaching the maximum timeframe will receive an information letter. Students who do not complete 66 2/3% credits attempted will be placed on *Financial Aid Disqualification.
Unofficial Withdrawals (all F's or I's)
Students who receive all failing grades or Incompletes in a given term will be automatically placed on *Financial Aid Disqualification.
Appeal Process
Students who have been placed on Financial Aid Disqualification due to an extenuating circumstance (i.e., a medical condition, military service, etc.) may appeal by requesting a Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeal Form. The form is available by contacting Financial Aid or on the website: www.dickinsonstate.edu > Current Students > Financial Aid > Apps & Forms. Appeals are evaluated on an individual basis. If it is determined that the student will be able to meet GPA and/or PACE standards by the end of the next payment period, the student will be placed on Financial Aid Probation, and the student may receive aid for one payment period. A student who changed majors may reach maximum timeframe; the student may appeal with a Plan of Study. If an appeal is denied, the student may request further evaluation from the Appeals Committee. Action taken by the Appeals Committee will be considered final. Students may also apply for a private loan; eligibility will be reinstated after requirements are met.
Financial Aid Disqualification
*Financial Aid Disqualification means no longer eligible for all federal aid and most other types of aid. (This is not the same as academic suspension.) Federal Student Aid includes Pell Grant, Supplemental Opportunity Grant (SEOG), TEACH Grant, Work Study, Perkins Loan, Direct Loans, and Direct Parent (PLUS) Loan. Nursing Student Loan, most institutional aid, and other agencies, such as Vocational Rehabilitation, the ND State Grant, and several private/alternative loans also require students to maintain SAP.
Students placed on warning, disqualification, or probation may be notified by email or in writing; the information is also available for students to view on Campus Connection > Holds and/or To Do List. Collaborative, consortium, Study Abroad, and remedial credits are evaluated independently; therefore, the initial results are subject to change.
Any part of this policy may be changed or revoked without notice.