1. Progress toward a degree from a financial aid perspective
Jennifer Marcus Epperson
Lane Smith
Associate Director Student Financial Services Samford University Birmingham, AL
Director Student Financial Services Samford University Birmingham, AL

2. Agenda for our time together
Who we are…
A few stats…
Why is progress toward a degree important?
Why is it important for Registrars and FA to work together to monitor and encourage progress toward a degree?
What are some strategies for teaming up to monitor and encourage progress toward a degree?

3. A few stats Samford University Founded 1841
Currently celebrating 175th anniversary
Located in Homewood, AL –
suburb of Birmingham
Private, Christian institution of
higher education
Alabama’s nationally top ranked
university

4. A few stats Samford University 5,471 students (fall 2016)
3,341 undergraduates
2,130 graduates
47 states/29 countries
10 academic schools
89% fall-to-fall freshman retention rate
73% six-year cohort graduation rate

5. Why is ptd important? A measurement of success Presidents/Chancellors
VP for Enrollment Management
Boards of Trustees/Overseers/Visitors
State funding equations
Accreditation
Rankings
Students/Families

6. Why is ptd important? Increased public scrutiny
Over $1.1 trillion in student loan debt

8. Why is ptd important? Increased public scrutiny
Over $1.1 trillion in student loan debt
Per student indebtedness increasing

10. Why is ptd important? Increased public scrutiny
Over $1.1 trillion in student loan debt
Per student indebtedness increasing
US Department of Education and Cohort Default Rates
Changes in student loan delivery placed responsibility for entire federal student loan program with the Dept. of Ed

13. Why is ptd important? Increased public scrutiny
Over $1.1 trillion in student loan debt
Per student indebtedness increasing
US Department of Education and Cohort Default Rates
Changes in student loan delivery makes DOE directly responsible for entire federal student loan program
Cohort Default Rates as a measurement of success
Federal regulations

14. What regulations govern ptd?
Federal regulations for financial aid
Initial and Continuing Student Eligibility
Who is a Title IV eligible student?
Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
Sub 150 (the 150% limit)
Pell LEU

15. What regulations govern ptd?
Initial Eligibility
A regular student
A degree seeking student
Eligible program
Enrolled at least half time
Six hours for undergraduate students
Varies for graduate students

16. Why is ptd important? Continuing Eligibility
Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
Must be checked periodically
Must be as strict as University Academic Policy
Three components:
Qualitative
Quantitative
Maximum Time Frame

17. Why is ptd important? Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
Must be checked at least once per year
Possibly at the conclusion of each term
Certain benefits for this option
Annually at a minimum

18. Why is ptd important? Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
Must be as strict as University Academic policy

19. Why is ptd important? Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
Three components:
Qualitative
Cumulative Grade Point Average
Quantitative
Number of credits earned and attempted for period of measurement

20. Why is ptd important? Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
Three components: (cont)
Maximum Time Frame
Typically 150% of the total hours/credits needed to complete the degree

21. Why is ptd important? Sub 150 – the 150% limit
New or first-time borrowers July 1, and beyond
Student has 150% of the time needed to complete a degree to maintain loan subsidies

22. Why is ptd important? Pell Lifetime Eligibility Usage
Loss of Pell Grant eligibility after six years
Student’s progress vs. program length
Does not affect other Title IV aid

23. Other opportunities for collaboration
Monthly meetings – more often as needed
Consultants – share time
Conference/List-serv info sharing
Open-door policy

24. Questions?

25. Contact Information
Jennifer Marcus Epperson Lane Smith