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.

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 (including Grad PLUS and Parent PLUS)

SAP is reviewed at the end of Fall, Spring, Summer, and during the application process.

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

Current Student Eligibility

Eligibility is 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 Academic & Financial Aid Warning
Students not completing 67% of cumulative attempted hours will be placed on Academic & Financial Aid Warning
Students that exceed 150% of the program's published timeframe will be placed on Academic & Financial Aid 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 Academic & Financial Aid Suspension are not eligible to register for classes or receive financial aid.

Academic and Financial Aid Appeal Process

How to Submit an Academic & Financial Aid Appeal
1. Request an appeal via sap@asun.edu
2. The appeal process may take 10-12 business days (campus closures can affect this timeframe)

Appeal Submission Requirements:

Use ASUN student email to request an appeal link from the SAP Committee by emailing sap@asun.edu
Include a detailed statement that explains why you failed to make satisfactory academic progress
Provide supporting documentation (examples of acceptable documentation are on the first page of the appeal form).
- Note: Submission of an appeal does not guarantee restoration of financial aid and academic eligibility.

Appeal Outcomes:

Approved: Eligible to enroll and receive financial aid for the next semester.
Denied: Not eligible to register for classes or receive financial aid.

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 requirements of the academic plan will result 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 10-12 business days (campus closures can affect this timeframe).

Outcomes:

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

For more information and details, email sap@asun.edu.