SATISFACTORY ACADEMIC PROGRESS REQUIREMENTS FOR
FINANCIAL AID RECIPIENTS
Federal, State and University regulations require that financial aid recipients show satisfactory academic progress toward their degree objective. UT has established guidelines that are designed to promote timely advancement toward a student's degree objective
The following information addresses common questions about satisfactory academic progress (SAP); the complete "Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy" is available from the Financial Aid Office.
What programs are governed by SAP requirements?
Programs governed by the policy include the Federal Pell Grant, Federal Perkins Loan, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, Federal Work Study, the Federal Stafford Loan (both subsidized and unsubsidized), Federal PLUS Loan programs. The policy also applies to state supported grants, such as Tennessee Student Assistance Award, THEC Scholarships, agency sponsored assistance requiring institutional certification of SAP and all scholarship, grant, loan or employment programs that are funded by the University.
The yearly progress and maximum time allowance portion of the SAP policy (see below) do not apply to recipients of departmental awards who are not receiving any other Federal, State or University funds.
What are the SAP requirements for undergraduate financial aid recipients?
To satisfy SAP requirements, you must accomplish the following:
meet a minimum grade point average;
earn a minimum number of credit hours each semester (yearly progress);
complete your degree objective within a maximum number of semesters enrolled and a maximum number of attempted credit hours (maximum time allowance).
How is SAP monitored?
SAP is monitored at the end of the academic year. The Academic Review Department monitors the grade point average. The Financial Aid Office monitors yearly progress and the maximum time allowance.
FAILURE TO MAINTAIN SATISFACTORY ACADEMIC PROGRESS
What happens when a financial aid recipient does not meet the SAP requirements?
The Financial Aid Office will send notices to students who have reached the maximum time allowance. If you have reached the maximum time allowance, you will be ineligible for financial aid for the following semester.
If you do not meet the GPA or yearly progress requirements, the Financial Aid Office will notify you in writing at the end of the academic year. If you do not meet the yearly progress requirement, you will be placed on financial aid hold for one academic year (example: Fall, 2005; Spring, 2006; and Summer, 2006). If placed on probation, you are encouraged to seek both academic and financial aid advisement.
You are also encouraged to attend summer session; summer credit hours earned at UT or transferable summer credit hours earned outside UT will help you increase your number of cumulative credit hours. While on probation, you may continue to receive financial aid if other eligibility requirements are met. If after the end of the probationary year you still do not meet the minimum cumulative requirements, you will no longer be eligible for financial aid. You will be allowed only one probationary period during the course of your enrollment.
APPEALS
What are the procedures if a student wants to appeal the decision to discontinue his or her financial aid?
If you have extenuating circumstances, you may appeal the determination that you are no longer eligible for financial aid. A Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) appeal form is available from the Financial Aid Office or may be printed from this website. Supporting documentation is required before the appeal can be reviewed.
The following may be considered when evaluating an appeal:
- Extenuating circumstances which prevented you from maintaining satisfactory academic progress, but which have since been resolved;
- Change in major (only one change of major per student will be considered);
- Dual degree objective;
- Grade changes;
- Academic advisement recommendations affecting unit completion.
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