Satisfactory Academic Progress for Financial Aid Recipients
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A qualitative measure and |
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A quantitative measure (comprised of three subcategories) |
Both the qualitative and the quantitative standards are cumulative and include all periods of enrollment at Isothermal Community College, even those for which the student did not receive financial aid funds.
What are the effects of previous credits on this policy?
What are the procedures for reinstatement of financial aid?
What are the procedures to appeal financial aid suspension?
These policies are subject to change based on institutional, state, and federal guidelines
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Transfer Students – any student transferring from a school other than Isothermal Community College who has no previous Isothermal Community College credit will be considered to be making satisfactory progress at the time of his/her enrollment. The student’s maximum time frame will be reduced by the equivalent number of credit hours accepted toward his/her degree at Isothermal Community College. |
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Isothermal Community College Returning Students – returning students will have their cumulative GPA carried forward, subject to the institutional policy regarding transfer of credit within the institution. All credit hours attempted will be converted to semester hours and carried forward. This policy is in accordance with federal regulations stating that satisfactory academic progress standards must cover all periods of the student’s enrollment. |
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Isothermal Community College Graduates – if a student graduates from a program at Isothermal Community College and desires to pursue another degree, that student will assume the maximum time frame of the new program less any attempted hours in a previous program for which the student did not receive a diploma or a degree. This policy does not apply to certificate programs. |
Procedure for Reinstatement of Financial Aid
Students who have had their aid terminated may reestablish eligibility for financial aid in one of two ways:
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By enrolling for a subsequent semester(s) at his/her own expense until satisfactory academic progress is achieved |
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By the appeals process, if approved. |
Retroactive payments of financial aid for periods in which a student did not meet satisfactory progress standards are prohibited.
Procedure to Appeal Financial Aid Suspension
To appeal financial aid suspension, a student must be able to demonstrate the existence of mitigating circumstances. Mitigating circumstances are defined as, but not limited to, injury or illness of the student, death of a relative, change in employment situation, or undue hardship caused by unusual circumstances. The following steps shall be taken in the appeal process:
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The student will indicate in writing to the Director of Financial Aid the reason(s) why he/she did not make satisfactory academic progress and why financial aid should not be terminated. Documentation to support the appeal is strongly encouraged. The appeal must be received within two weeks of the date the student was notified of his/her suspension.
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The Director of Financial Aid and/or the Financial Aid Committee will review the appeal and determine whether or not termination of aid is justified. The student will be advised of the decision in writing. An approved appeal will allow the student one additional semester on probation. The director or committee’s decision is final and may not be appealed further.