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

2. 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)

3. 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

4. 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 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

5. 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):

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

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

8. 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

9. 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  

10. 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 account and permanent address.

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

12. 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

13. 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

14. Mid Year SAP Review – Degree

15. Mid Year SAP Review - Certificate