Satisfactory Academic Progress

Overview

Arkansas State University-Newport (ASUN) aims to support students on their academic journey by ensuring they make Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP). Maintaining SAP helps students stay in good standing academically and financially. The sections below outline the processes to ensure SAP for both Academics and Financial Aid.

Contact
If you have questions, please email: sap@asun.edu.

Definitions and Purpose

Why monitor Academic Progress?
Federal regulations require all recipients of student financial aid to make Satisfactory Academic Progress towards an eligible degree or certificate program.

Title IV Aid includes the following programs:

Federal Pell Grants
Federal Supplemental Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
Federal Work-Study (FWS)
Federal Direct Subsidized Loans
Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans
Federal PLUS Loans

SAP is reviewed at the end of Fall, Spring, Summer, and during the application process.
Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Policy

How Progress is Measured

Qualitative Progress (GPA)
Students must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0.

Grades of A, B, C, D, and S are considered as successfully completed (passing).
Grades of F, W, I, and U are not considered successfully completed (not passing).

Quantitative Progress (PACE)
Students must successfully complete at least 67% of cumulative hours attempted, including:

Developmental/Remedial Hours
Repeat/Incomplete Hours
Transfer Hours/Concurrent (High School) Enrollment

Completion within Maximum Timeframe
Students must complete their program within 150% of the published timeframe.

Eligibility

ASUN Student Eligibility

Eligibility reviewed at the end of each semester and during the application process.
Must be admitted and enrolled in an eligible ASUN academic degree program.
Must complete at least 67% of cumulative hours attempted and maintain a 2.0 GPA.
Cannot exceed 150% of the published length of their current ASUN academic degree program.

Transfer and Re-Admitted Student Eligibility

Reviewed upon admission to the university.
Must submit an official transcript for eligibility determination.
Must complete at least 67% of cumulative hours attempted and maintain a 2.0 GPA.
Cannot exceed 150% of the published length of their academic degree program.

SAP Process and Statuses

Failure to Meet SAP Requirements

Students not meeting GPA requirements will be placed on Financial Aid Warning and Academic Probation.
Students not completing 67% of cumulative attempted hours will also be placed on Financial Aid Warning and Academic Probation.
Those exceeding 150% of the program's published timeframe will be placed on Financial Aid and Academic Suspension.

Academic and Financial Aid Warning

Students on Academic and Financial Aid Warning can receive federal financial aid for the next term. No action is required by the student.
Must earn a 2.0 minimum cumulative GPA and complete at least 67% of cumulative hours attempted by the end of the semester.

Academic and Financial Aid Suspension

Students on suspension are not eligible for most types of financial aid.
Two ways to regain eligibility:
1. Complete coursework to meet SAP requirements. Student is self-pay. No aid will be awarded.
2. Submit an Academic and Financial Aid Appeal if there were extenuating circumstances. Documentation is required.

Appeal Process - How to Appeal Academic and Financial Aid Suspension

Reestablishing Academic and Financial Aid Eligibility
Students may submit a SAP appeal for extenuating circumstances affecting their academic performance.

Appeal Submission Requirements:

Use ASUN student email to request an appeal link.
Submit a statement explaining the circumstances and changes made to meet SAP.
Provide supporting documentation.
Note: Submission of an appeal does not guarantee restoration of financial aid and academic eligibility.

Academic Plan

Academic Plans
Students with an approved appeal must complete an Academic Plan to set benchmarks for each semester.

Progress evaluated each semester.
Failing to meet the plan's requirements results in Academic and Financial Aid Suspension.

Academic Only Appeal Process

How to Submit an Academic Only Appeal

Request an appeal form via sap@asun.edu.
The appeal process may take up to two weeks.

Outcomes:

Approved: Eligible to enroll but not for financial aid. Student is self-pay. No financial aid is awarded.
Denied: Not eligible to re-enroll or for financial aid.

For more information and details, refer to the full Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Policy and contact sap@asun.edu for any queries.