The Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Appeal Process The Solution Center The Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Appeal Process

Objective What you will learn What is Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Who can appeal SAP SAP Indicators SAP Communications SAP Appeal Criteria and Outcomes Financial Aid Probation Re-Establishing Financial Aid Eligibility Mid-Year SAP Review Flow Charts (Degree and Certificate)

What is SAP Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) is the measurement of a student's academic progress toward a degree or certificate program What is evaluated for SAP: SAP evaluates three components to determine eligibility for financial aid: Qualitative measure (cumulative grade point average) Quantitative measure (percentage of coursework completed) Maximum time frame allowed for degree completion REF: FA_20_SAP_Policy - for complete SAP eligibility requirements and standards

Who Can Appeal SAP Students who do not meet the university SAP standards are not eligible to receive financial aid Student will receive written notification to their university email account as well as a letter to their permanent address SAP status applies to financial aid eligibility and does not impact registration or academic standing

On the Financial Aid Status page staff can review the indicators student did not meet SAP (Packaging Status, Checklists, Communications): SAP Indicators On the Financial Aid Status page staff can review the indicators showing student’s SAP status (Packaging Status, Checklists, Communications):

SAP Indicators Checklist Items will also be added to the student’s account.

SAP Communication Communications are sent to the student via email to their UMass Lowell account and a letter to their permanent address:

SAP Appeal Criteria Circumstances when a student may appeal include, but are not limited to: Death of a relative Injury or illness of the student Other extenuating circumstances  To appeal, a student must complete the following: Complete SAP Appeal Form.  Student statement must include why the student failed to meet SAP and what has changed to allow student to meet SAP at the end of next evaluation  Meet with academic advisor and develop an academic plan.  Both student and advisor must sign SAP appeal form Submit completed forms and supporting documentation to the Financial Aid Office for review  Appeal forms, academic plans and supporting documentation must be submitted for review prior to each term's deadline. (See the SAP appeal form for the deadlines per term at www.uml.edu/FinancialAid/Forms.aspx)

SAP Appeal Criteria (cont.) Appeal forms submitted for a specific term will not be granted if the student has stopped attending or withdraws while waiting for an appeal decision during that term An appeal reviewed by the Financial Aid Office does not guarantee reinstatement of financial aid eligibility All appeals are reviewed by representatives of the Financial Aid Office, with input from academic administrators when appropriate  

SAP Appeal Outcomes Approved Appeal: Will result in the student being placed on Financial Aid Probation for a semester. Packaging Status will be changed to “Probation”, Checklists added/updated and written notification will be sent to the student's university e-mail account and permanent address.  

SAP Appeal Outcomes Denied Appeal: Will result in the student being ineligible for financial aid. The student may still enroll in coursework.     

Financial Aid Probation A student who failed to meet SAP and who has successfully appealed with the Financial Aid Office will be placed on Financial Aid Probation for one semester   During the Financial Aid Probation period, the student is considered eligible for financial aid  At the end of the Probation period, the Financial Aid Office will re-evaluate the student's academic record to determine SAP status

Re-Establishing Financial Aid Eligibility A student may regain financial aid eligibility by successfully meeting the university's SAP policy requirements  REF: FA_20_SAP_Policy - for complete SAP eligibility requirements and standards

Mid Year SAP Review – Degree

Mid Year SAP Review - Certificate