Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy

(Part A) General Information

Federal regulations require that financial aid recipients maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress for continued eligibility of Title IV funding. Funding under this title includes the Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Opportunity Grant, Federal TEACH Grant, Federal College Work-Study, Federal Perkins Loan and the Federal Direct Loan programs (subsidized and unsubsidized loans). This policy also includes all funding from the State of Missouri as well as all Avila University scholarships.

The Financial Aid Office will determine the satisfactory progress of each student receiving assistance at the completion of the fall, spring and summer semester/terms. All credits accepted by the university from other institutions will be used to calculate eligibility. After grades are posted each semester, the Financial Aid Office will review all students’ current academic standing. Any student who fails to meet the following standards will be notified through their Avila University email account.

Satisfactory Academic Progress for Financial Aid Eligibility should not be confused with the University’s Academic Probation and Dismissal Policy.

Financial Aid Warning
Students who do not meet one or more of the Satisfactory Academic Progress standards (see Parts B and C) will be placed on Warning as a notice that their academic work is below the standard. While on Financial Aid Warning a student must receive a 2.0 GPA for the semester/term as well as meet the requirements of the pace and the time frame standards. If a student corrects the deficiency by grade changes or meeting the standards by work on his/her own, he/she will be removed from warning. Warning status can not be appealed. Students are still eligible to receive Financial Aid while on Financial Aid Warning status.

Financial Aid Suspension
Students who do not meet the terms of their warning will be suspended and prohibited from receiving future aid until all standards are met. In addition, any undergraduate financial aid recipient who receives all failing grades, all incomplete grades, or totally withdraws from classes will automatically be suspended (no warning period will be granted). A student on Financial Aid Suspension is not eligible to receive financial aid.

Appeal for Financial Aid Suspension
Students may appeal financial aid suspensions to the Financial Aid Appeals Committee. Reasons for an appeal may include, but are not limited to: death of a relative, an injury or illness of the student, or other special circumstances. An appeal will not be heard if there is an unpaid balance on the student account.

To appeal, a student needs to submit a Financial Aid Appeal form along with a typed appeal letter explaining their situation. Letters of support from doctors, teachers, family members, etc. are encouraged.

All appeal decisions addressed by the committee are final and not subject to further review. Appeals will not be considered for prior semesters. Reinstatement of any aid originally awarded to a suspended student is at the committee’s discretion.

Re-establishing Federal Financial Aid Eligibility
Students with no extenuating circumstances or students with denied appeals may re-establish eligibility for federal financial aid. To re-establish eligibility students must, at their own expense, enroll in an academic term at Avila University or elsewhere and successfully complete all credit hours enrolled. Students must also meet all three of the academic progress requirements outlined in Part B.

(Part B) Undergraduate Student Standards

Time Frame: The maximum time frame for undergraduate aid eligibility is 192 credit hours attempted at Avila University or any other institution. The time frame considers all hours attempted regardless of whether or not the student has ever received financial assistance or has completed a prior degree.

Grade Point Average: Undergraduate students must have a cumulative GPA of a 2.00 or higher at the end of their 2nd academic year. This GPA must be maintained until graduation to meet Satisfactory Academic Porgress.

Attempted Hours/Credit Hour Pace: Attempted hours include any credits a student is enrolled in at the time aid is disbursed. Financial aid recipients who receive all failing grades at the end of any term will automatically be placed on suspension. The following table indicates how many hours must be completed in relation to a student’s attempted hours per semester/term, and which grades will be counted as completed and non-completed at the end of the semester/term.

Hours attempted per semester/term	Hours completed per semester/term
12+ 9-11 6-8 1-5	9 6 3 1

Completed Credits	Non-Completed Credits
A - Superior B – Above Average C - Average D – Below Average CR – Credit	F - Failing I – Incomplete W – Withdrawal NC – Non Credit

Example: If John originally enrolled in 15 hours at the beginning of the semester and received aid at that enrollment level, he would be expected to complete at least 9 hours successfully regardless of whether he dropped, withdrew or failed classes. On the other hand, if John originally enrolled in 15 hours, and then dropped to 10 before his aid was disbursed, he would only be expected to complete 6 hours and his aid would be adjusted to the appropriate enrollment level.

The pace requirement for satisfactory academic progress requires you earn credit for at least 67% of the credits you attempt. Pace is defined as the number of credits earned divided by the number of credits attempted. If that percentage is less than 67%, your eligibility for aid will be suspended.

(Part C) Graduate Student Standards

Time Frame: Graduate students are required to complete their degree within 7 years of the start date of their program, whether or not the student ever received financial aid. If you change your major or degree, you may request that your time frame be re-evaluated for your new program.

Attempted Hours/Credit Hour Pace: Graduate students are expected to complete the same number of hours attempted as undergraduate students as outlined in the table in Part B.

Grade Point Average: Graduate students are required to maintain a cumulative grade point average of a 3.00 or better.