Both the U.S. Department of Education
(federal) and Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (state)
require students to maintain satisfactory academic progress (SAP) as an
eligibility requirement. SAP applies to all federal/state financial aid
programs, including grants and loans.
Eligibility requirements
are contingent on students meeting the minimum Qualitative (GPA) and
Quantitative (pace) standards within a Maximum Timeframe (150%). This
means students must maintain a 2.0 GPA and complete a minimum of 67
percent of all credits they attempt to make academic progress. Note your
entire transcript history, from your very first semester at RCSJ, is
considered in the SAP calculation.
Students
who fail to meet these standards may appeal to reinstate their aid
eligibility. You can read more about Rowan College's SAP guidelines on the Policies & Procedures webpage.
Academic Amnesty Disclaimer: Students
who apply for, and are granted, academic amnesty by the Office of
Student Development will not be granted the same amnesty by the Office
of Financial Aid. The reason for this is, the Office of Financial Aid
must follow the SAP standards set forth by the U.S. Department of
Education. The academic amnesty policy established by the Office of
Student Development is an internal policy of the College.
Appeal Requirements
Comprehensive
instructions are included on the SAP appeal cover letter. This form can
be obtained in person at the Office of Financial Aid. All paperwork
must be submitted to Financial Aid at one time as a single organized
file.
Verification documents, if selected
SAP appeal cover letter
Detailed,
written statement outlining the reasons for the appeal. Verbal appeals
will not be accepted. This should include an explanation of how the
student plans to promote his/her academic success going forward.
Relevant
documentation that supports the reasons for the appeal (i.e. doctor's
note, hospital discharge papers, work schedules, court orders, letter
from third party source, etc.).
How it Works
Students must complete the FAFSA and verification process, if selected, before submitting an appeal.
Student file will first be verified according to FSA guidelines.
Appeal will be reviewed by a committee.
Approval or denial letter will be mailed to student's home address.
If approved the student must:
Obtain the SAP Plan form from the Office of Financial Aid.
Meet with Audreen Pittman, academic advisor, to complete the SAP Plan form.
Register for classes outlined on the SAP Plan.
Submit completed SAP Plan form to Office of Financial Aid for final approval.
Successfully
pass all classes on the plan and earn a 2.0 GPA. The student cannot
earn any negative grade statuses (F, X, NP, W, NA, I) during the term in
which he/she is on a SAP Plan.
If denied the student must find an alternative means of paying the term bill, should he/she decide to enroll at Rowan College.
Monitoring Academic Progress
The
Office of Financial Aid checks SAP once a year, at the conclusion of
the spring semester. However, students who successfully appeal are
placed on academic probation until they begin making SAP on their own.
Their academic progress will be assessed each semester after the final
grades have been posted according to the SAP Plan.
Denied Appeals
Students
whose SAP appeals are denied will need to use an alternative method of
payment for the semester because they are ineligible to receive federal
and state aid. Potential options may include the Rowan College Payment Plan and any personal loans that are used for educational purpose.
Note:
This is not a complete list; it's meant to provide examples of
alternative financing. Students who plan on borrowing a loan from a
private financial institution are strongly encouraged to first research
the interest rates and repayment requirements.
