Satisfactory Academic Progress

The Financial Aid Office is required to have a Satisfactory Academic Progress policy for all students attending the College. This policy is different than the Academic Progress Policy maintained by the College. Students who do not meet this policy could lose their eligibility for financial assistance. It is your responsibility to understand this policy and make sure that you maintain the standards. 

 Satisfactory Academic Progress

 Each college or university is required to establish and consistently apply both qualitative and quantitative standards to measure Satisfactory Academic Progress for purposes of financial aid eligibility. These standards apply to all students who receive aid administered by the College, including all Federal Title IV aid funds (Stafford Student Loans, Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS), Perkins Loans, Pell Grants, Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, Talent Incentive Program Grants (TIP)), Institutional scholarships and grants, State grants and scholarships and the Federal Work Study Program.

Alverno has established the following criteria to be uniformly applied to all financial aid applicants in accordance with Federal Regulations. Code of Federal Regulations 668.34 outlines the minimum requirements that schools must use in determining their Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy.

1. Standard Governing the Quality of Academic Progress

After completing the second academic year of attendance, students who have received financial aid for any period of time, must have successfully completed at least one-half of all classes they have attempted and must have an academic standing that is consistent with Alverno’s requirement for graduation.

2. Standards for Governing the Quantity of Academic Progress

 Applicants for financial aid are expected to complete their degree in the following time frame:

(Transfer credits applied toward an Alverno degree will be counted as a semester of eligibility at the rate of 15 credits/per semester.

In order to complete degree requirements within the maximum allowable time frame indicated, students must complete a minimum of two-thirds of their attempted credits each academic year. (Attempted credits is defined in section B). This standard is measured on a cumulative basis.

Enrollment changes – Financial aid will be revised for enrollment changes (adding and dropping credits) during the first two weeks of the semester. Registered credits at that time will be considered attempted credits for the term when Satisfactory Academic Progress is calculated, regardless if a student subsequently drops classes, takes a student on leave, or withdraws.

3. Failure to Meet the Satisfactory Academic Progress Standards

 First Occurrence – For any semester in which a student does not meet the minimum standards listed above, the student will be placed on Financial Aid Probation. The student will be notified in writing. This status refers only to financial aid eligibility.

Continuing Probation – A student who completes 2/3 of attempted credits the following term will continue on probation if cumulative earned credits are less than 2/3 attempted. Probation status continues until the percentage of cumulative earned credits is equal to or greater than .67. If the student fails progress standards for any term while on Continuing Probation, the student will become ineligible for aid.

Second Occurrence – If the student fails to meet the minimum standard for a second consecutive semester (earns less than 2/3 attempted credits for the semester), or was already on probation, the student will be ineligible for further financial aid and will be notified in writing.

Eligibility may be regained by attaining the standards listed above at the student’s own expense. The student must provide the Financial Aid Office an unofficial transcript from Alverno College and a letter requesting reinstatement to eligible status.

If a student in an ineligible status receives aid, full repayment will be required of all funds received, excluding Federal Work Study, where employment may be terminated.

4. Appeal Procedure

A student may appeal Ineligible Status. Appeal forms are available in the Financial Aid Office or you may print the Ineligible Status Appeal Form (pdf).

The appeal must be on a Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeal form within 14 days of receipt of the letter notifying the student of the Probationary or Ineligible Status. The appeal should include an explanation of the circumstances that led to the situation and what steps the student will take to restore normal progress towards graduation. Appeals may be granted for, but are not limited to, health reasons, family emergencies and work emergencies.

Results of the appeal will be communicated to the student, in writing within 14 days of submission.

5. Important Facts

• Satisfactory Academic Progress is reviewed after each semester (fall, spring, and summer).
• Semesters in which the student did not receive financial assistance are counted in the above calculations. This is in compliance with federal regulations.
• Signature on your Financial Aid Proposal certifies acceptance and understanding of this policy.

Any questions should be directed to the Financial Aid Office at (414) 382-6046.