Is Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) the same as the University’s Academic policy? Do I need to complete two separate appeals, one for the Financial Aid policy and one for the University’s Academic policy? I am a readmit does this policy apply to me? I have not been is school for over 5 years? Is there a separate policy for Graduate students? I never received financial aid before, why must I submit an appeal? Where can I view the SAP policy? Are there any tips to help understand the SAP appeal process? What is an appeal? May I mail my appeal? What are extenuating circumstances? Is documentation required? What forms of documentation may be helpful to the appeal process? What is an Academic Plan? What is Probation? Can I be on Probation for more than one semester? Are Expunged grades counted in the SAP evaluation? What is a cumulative GPA? What is the Completion Rate or Ratio? What is Maximum Time Frame Measure? How does dropping a class or withdrawing from all classes during a term affect SAP? How can I regain aid if my appeal is denied? What options do I have if I am denied on my appeal? What if you are a dependent student, but your parents are divorced or separated? Who will review my SAP appeal? What is the anticipated response time for my appeal? How often will I be evaluated for SAP? Can my parents get a PLUS loan if I am not meeting SAP standards? Is there a deadline to file an appeal? If I miss the fall deadline, can I still be considered for spring aid if I file by December 15th? If I miss the fall deadline, can I still be considered for spring aid if I file by December 15th? If I do not achieve my Academic Plan for the fall semester can I receive aid for the spring? If the answer is no, what can I do to regain aid eligibility? What is the proper email address for my SAP questions? If we missed the appeal deadline, what can we do now? If my appeal is approved for financial aid and at the end of the semester my grades and GPA increase, but fall slightly below the 67% completion rate, can I receive special consideration for approval for the next semester, or do I have to appeal again? Although my appeal was not granted, can I still register for courses? Q: Is Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) the same as the University’s Academic policy? A: No, the Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) policy is separate and distinct from the University’s Academic Policy. The Financial Aid SAP policy includes 3 criteria; Cumulative Grade Point Average of 2.0 or better, Credit Completion Ratio 67% or better and Maximum Time Frame 150% of the program. The University’s Policy only measures the Cumulative Grade Point Average of 2.0 or better. Q: Do I need to complete two separate appeals, one for the Financial Aid policy and one for the University’s Academic policy? A: Yes, both have to be completed. Completing an appeal for one does not satisfy the requirement for the other. Q: I am a readmit does this policy apply to me? I have not been is school for over 5 years? A: Yes, the Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy applies to all students seeking financial aid no matter when they last attended the University. Q: Is there a separate policy for Graduate students? A: Yes, Graduate students must earn seventy percent (70%) of their attempted credits and maintain at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA after attempting 12 or more credits. Q: I never received financial aid before, why must I submit an appeal? A: All financial aid applicants are subject to the standards of the SAP Policy regardless if aid was received or not in the past. Q: Where can I view the SAP policy? A: The financial Aid SAP policy can be viewed at Click here. Q: Are there any tips to help understand the SAP appeal process? A: Yes, students can view the Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeal tips at click here under Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeal Guidelines. Q: What is an appeal? A: An appeal is a process by which a student who is not meeting SAP standards petitions the school for reconsideration of his/her eligibility for financial aid funds. The appeal must include a narrative of the extenuating circumstances (e.g., the student or an immediate family member suffered a serious illness or injury, death of a close relative, separation or divorce) that prevented the student from meeting the minimum requirements, and reasonable explanation of the expectation that the event/ circumstances will not re-occur. Students are required to upload pertinent documentation supporting their appeal. Furthermore, students are expected to describe their academic plan to succeed in their program of study as well as carefully review their academic history before submitting the appeal. Q: May I mail my appeal?? A: Appeals will be accepted only online. Students identified as not making SAP will receive correspondence at their campus e-mail address in the month of June. A link will be provided to submit your appeal. What criteria are reviewed when SAP is evaluated? Q: What are extenuating circumstances? A: These involve circumstances beyond the student’s control that have had an impact upon the student’s academic performance. (e.g., the student or an immediate family member suffered a serious illness or injury, death of a close relative, separation or divorce) Q: Is documentation required? A: Yes, documentation is required. Appeals will not be reviewed without documentation. Q: What forms of documentation may be helpful to the appeal process? A: You may upload doctor’s notes, academic counselor or advisor’s tips and suggestions, divorce decree or separation, medical notes from your doctor, or change of employment, medical bills, police reports, accident reports, or other information that explains and supports the appeal. Q: What is an Academic Plan? A: This is a plan set up by the student and an advisor to ensure that the student will meet the standards of SAP. Examples of an Academic Plan include earning certain grades to raise a cumulative GPA, not withdrawing or earning F or D grades in any coursework in order to raise the completion rate to 67%, or a combination of the two. Q: What is Probation? A: A status a school assigns to a student who is failing to make SAP and who successfully appeals. Eligibility for aid may be reinstated for one payment period or semester. Students’ SAP will be evaluated at the end of the probationary semester to determine if they are making progress. Q: Can I be on Probation for more than one semester? A: Yes, in some cases a student might not be meeting the standards for SAP but may be making progress. As long as a student does not earn F or D grades and does not withdraw from any classes, they can remain on probation. Students will be removed from probation once they raise their cumulative GPA to a 2.0 or better and achieve a completion rate of 67% or better. Q: Are Expunged grades counted in the SAP evaluation? A: Yes, all grades – even those no longer counted by the University- are included in the SAP evaluation. Academic Amnesty does not pertain to Financial Aid SAP. This is why the completion rate and cumulative GPA on a student’s transcript may not match the cumulative GPA and completion rate derived from the financial aid calculation. Q: What is a cumulative GPA? A: The GPA is derived by dividing the total QUALITY POINTS by the total QUALITY HOURS. Students are evaluated after attempting 24 credits, including transfer credits. Q: What is the Completion Rate or Ratio? A: Each year, a student’s progress will be measured by comparing the number of attempted credit hours with the credit hours earned. This includes any course for which the student has remained enrolled past the drop/add period. After a student has attempted 24 credits, s/he must earn sixty seven percent (67%) of the cumulative attempted credits to maintain satisfactory academic progress. Q: What is Maximum Time Frame Measure? A: The minimum number of credit hours needed to complete an undergraduate program is 120. A student is eligible to receive funding up to 180 attempted credit hours. Some programs limit funding on a semester basis. Students that attempt and earn only the minimum amount of credit hours required will run out of eligibility for certain state financial aid programs prior to completing their degree. Q: How does dropping a class or withdrawing from all classes during a term affect SAP? A:How does dropping a class or withdrawing from all classes during a term affect SAP? Dropping a course or withdrawing from all of your courses after the end of the 100 percent refund period will result in a W grade on the student’s transcript for that term. This will negatively affect the student's completion rate (67% Rule). Students are always encouraged to speak with both an Academic Advisor and the Office of Financial Aid prior to dropping a course or withdrawing from all their classes. Q: How can I regain aid if my appeal is denied? A: A student who has lost financial aid eligibility may regain eligibility after taking college credit coursework at his/her own expense (self-pay) and meeting minimum requirements of 2.0 Cumulative GPA and a 67% completion rate within the 150% timeframe. Q: What options do I have if I am denied on my appeal? A:The University offers a Tuition Installment Plan (TIP) with affordable payment options. Access the following link for further information: http://www.wpunj.edu/studentaccounts/payment-options.html. Questions regarding the payment plans should be directed to the Center for Student Services (studentservices@wpunj.edu or by calling 973-720-3945). To apply for alternative/private loans (do not apply for an NJCLASS loan and be mindful of other lenders that may require satisfactory academic progress) access the Financial Aid homepage (http://www.wpunj.edu/financial-aid/) for further details. You should conduct your own alternative loan research and seek the best available rates. Alternative/private loans may take the lender approximately fifteen (15) business days for processing. A student who has lost financial aid eligibility may regain eligibility after taking college credit coursework at his/her own expense (self-pay) and meeting minimum requirements of 2.0 Cumulative GPA and a 67% completion rate within the 150% timeframe. Q: Who will review my SAP appeal? A: Students not meeting SAP standards are not eligible for federal or state aid and in some cases institutional aid. A PLUS loan is a federal loan, therefore, a student would not be eligible for federal PLUS loan or the Federal Direct Student Loan. Students are not eligible for the Federal Work Study program, the Federal Perkins Loan, and the Federal SEOG grant. Students are not eligible for the NJ TAG award, EOF, NJSTARS, NJCLASS or any other state program. To apply for alternative/private loans (do not apply for an NJCLASS loan and be mindful of other lenders that may require satisfactory academic progress) access the Financial Aid homepage (http://www.wpunj.edu/financial-aid/) for further details. You should conduct your own alternative loan research and seek the best available rates. Alternative/private loans may take the lender approximately fifteen (15) business days for processing. Q: What is the anticipated response time for my appeal? A: Depending on volume, students can expect the results of their appeals within 10 to 15 days. Notification will be sent via your WPU email. Q: How often will I be evaluated for SAP? A: SAP evaluation occurs annually, once a year, at the end of the spring semester payment period. Students on probation will have their SAP evaluated at the end of the probationary semester to determine if they are making progress. Q: Can my parents get a PLUS loan if I am not meeting SAP standards? A: Students not meeting SAP standards are not eligible for federal or state aid and in some cases institutional aid. A PLUS loan is a federal loan, therefore, a student would not be eligible for federal PLUS loan or the Federal Direct Student Loan. Students are not eligible for the Federal Work Study program, the Federal Perkins Loan, and the Federal SEOG grant. Students are not eligible for the NJ TAG award, EOF, NJSTARS, NJCLASS or any other state program. To apply for alternative/private loans (do not apply for an NJCLASS loan and be mindful of other lenders that may require satisfactory academic progress) access the Financial Aid homepage (http://www.wpunj.edu/financial-aid/) for further details. You should conduct your own alternative loan research and seek the best available rates. Alternative/private loans may take the lender approximately fifteen (15) business days for processing. Q: Is there a deadline to file an appeal? A: Yes, the deadlines are: Fall Semester August 15th Spring Semester December 15th Q: If I miss the fall deadline, can I still be considered for spring aid if I file by December 15th? A: Yes, a student who misses the fall deadline may submit an appeal for the spring semester prior to December 15th. Q: What will happen to my appeal documents and is this process confidential? A: It is recommended that all documents be uploaded in PDF format. Appeal letters, documents and academic plans are stored in a secure website that is only viewable by the SAP Appeals Committee members. Q: If I do not achieve my Academic Plan for the fall semester can I receive aid for the spring? A: Normally a student who does not meet their academic plan is not eligible for financial aid. In some cases a student might not be meeting the standards for SAP but may be making progress. As long as a student does not earn F or D grades and does not withdraw from any classes, they can remain on probation. Students will be removed from probation once they raise their cumulative GPA to a 2.0 or better and achieve a completion rate of 67% or better. Q: If the answer is no, what can I do to regain aid eligibility? A: A student who has lost financial aid eligibility may regain eligibility after taking college credit coursework at his/her own expense (self-pay) and meeting minimum requirements of 2.0 Cumulative GPA and a 67% completion rate within the 150% timeframe. Q: What is the proper email address for my SAP questions? A: FA-APPEALS@wpunj.edu Q: If we missed the appeal deadline, what can we do now? A: A student who has lost financial aid eligibility may regain eligibility after taking college credit coursework at his/her own expense (self-pay) and meeting minimum requirements of 2.0 Cumulative GPA and a 67% completion rate within the 150% timeframe. The University offers a Tuition Installment Plan (TIP) with affordable payment options. Access the following link for further information: http://www.wpunj.edu/studentaccounts/payment-options.html. Questions regarding the payment plans should be directed to the Center for Student Services (studentservices@wpunj.edu or by calling 973-720-3945). To apply for alternative/private loans (do not apply for an NJCLASS loan and be mindful of other lenders that may require satisfactory academic progress) access the Financial Aid homepage (http://www.wpunj.edu/financial-aid/) for further details. You should conduct your own alternative loan research and seek the best available rates. Alternative/private loans may take the lender approximately fifteen (15) business days for processing. Q: If my appeal is approved for financial aid and at the end of the semester my grades and GPA increase, but fall slightly below the 67% completion rate, can I receive special consideration for approval for the next semester, or do I have to appeal again? A: No, a student must be meeting both standards; cumulative GPA of 2.0 and a completion rate of 67% to be eligible for financial aid. Q: Although my appeal was not granted, can I still register for courses? A: A student who has lost financial aid eligibility may regain eligibility after taking college credit coursework at his/her own expense (self-pay) and meeting minimum requirements of 2.0 Cumulative GPA and a 67% completion rate within the 150% timeframe. The University offers a Tuition Installment Plan (TIP) with affordable payment options. Access the following link for further information: http://www.wpunj.edu/studentaccounts/payment-options.html. Questions regarding the payment plans should be directed to the Center for Student Services (studentservices@wpunj.edu or by calling 973-720-3945). To apply for alternative/private loans (do not apply for an NJCLASS loan and be mindful of other lenders that may require satisfactory academic progress) access the Financial Aid homepage (http://www.wpunj.edu/financial-aid/) for further details. You should conduct your own alternative loan research and seek the best available rates. Alternative/private loans may take the lender approximately fifteen (15) business days for processing.
