Federal regulations require Western Nevada College (ľƵ) to establish and apply reasonable
standards of satisfactory academic progress (SAP) for the purpose of the receipt of
financial assistance under the programs authorized by Title IV of the Higher Education
Act. The law requires ľƵ to develop policies regarding SAP. ľƵ must design criteria
which outline the definition of student progress towards a degree and the consequences
to the student if progress is not achieved. Students who wish to be considered for
financial assistance must maintain satisfactory academic progress in their selected
course of study as set forth in this policy.
Academic Standards
The Financial Assistance Office evaluates student academic progress at the beginning
of each semester. Students are evaluated using a qualitative standard (cumulative
grade point average), quantitative standard or pace (semester and cumulative unit
hour completion rate), and maximum time frame limitation (150% of degree requirement).
A student must meet these standards of progress regardless of whether he or she has
previously received financial assistance.
The students satisfactory academic progress is again reviewed and evaluated at the
end of each semester for the next semester in attendance. Financial Assistance and
most scholarships including federal, state and college administered funds are covered
by this policy.
In addition, the Financial Assistance Office does not certify alternative educational
loans for students who are not meeting satisfactory academic progress. Exceptions
to the SAP policy for alternative loans, can only be made by the Director of Financial
Assistance with documentation from the lender.
Qualitative Standard
Grade Point Average: Financial Assistance students must maintain a 2.0 cumulative
GPA for all coursework regardless of whether or not assistance was received for previous
course work. If a students cumulative GPA drops below 2.0, the student is ineligible
for financial assistance and is placed on financial assistance suspension, even if
the student completed all units. Only units attempted at ľƵ are considered in this
calculation.
Quantitative Standard
Academic Completion Rate or Pace: At a minimum, a student must satisfactorily complete
67% of all credits attempted each semester. If the student has not completed 67% for
the most recently attempted semester, the student is ineligible for financial assistance
and is placed on financial assistance suspension. In addition, a student must maintain
a cumulative completion rate or pace of 67% or higher. If a students cumulative completion
rate or pace is not at 67%, the student is ineligible for financial assistance and
is placed on financial assistance suspension. Only units attempted at ľƵ are considered
in this calculation. ľƵ will use regular rounding rules to determine completion rate/pace
(i.e. 66.666% = 67%).
Unacceptable Grades
Grade
|
Definition
|
F
|
Failure of the class.
|
W
|
Failure of the class or official or unofficial withdrawal.
|
I
|
Incomplete. Cannot be evaluated for satisfactory progress; but is considered as evidence
the student did not officially withdraw.
|
X
|
In progress. Cannot be evaluated for satisfactory progress.
|
AD
|
Audit. For financial assistance, a student may not take a class for audit.
|
NR
|
Grade not reported. Cannot be evaluated for satisfactory progress.
|
EXP
|
Exception to the Refund processed by Admissions and Records, courses removed from
the students official transcript, however courses still count towards FA SAP requirements.
|
U
|
Unsatisfactory Grade. This option was available during the COVID 19 Pandemic and is
an option for High School Dual Enrolled Students.
|
Maximum Timeframe (Maximum Number of Units for Degree Program)
For Financial Assistance purposes a student is limited to attempting 150% of the units
required for their specific degree program.
-
Students enrolled in an Associate Degree program are allowed a maximum of two associate
degrees and/or a maximum of 90 attempted units (60 units x 150%), whichever comes
first.
-
Students accepted to the Associate of Applied Science RN program are allowed a maximum
of 107.25 attempted units (71.5 units x 150%)
-
Students enrolled in a Certificate of Achievement are allowed a maximum of two certificates
and/or a maximum of 45 attempted units (30 units x 150%), whichever comes first.
-
Students enrolled in a Bachelor Degree program are allowed a maximum number of 180
units (120 units x 150%).
Payments for degrees or classes beyond these limits are at the students own expense.
Students may still be eligible for Millennium Scholarships, outside/external scholarships,
tribal funds, outside agency funding, VeteransBenefits, alternative Loans and third-party
payments.
For Transfer Students: Units taken at other post-secondary education institutions
that are accepted for transfer credit by ľƵ will be counted toward the 150% unit
maximum. Transfer units will not be considered when calculating GPA and academic completion
rates.
Repeated Course Work: Repeated units will be counted as attempted units toward the
maximum number of allowable units (150% of a degree program).
Degree/Certificate Programs
To be eligible for financial assistance, a student must declare with ľƵ Admissions
and Records, and with the intent to obtain a degree or certificate in a financial
assistance eligible program at ľƵ.
Degree Requirement: Financial Assistance students must declare a major and carefully
review their courses and degree programs. It is the responsibility of the student
to order transcripts from institutions previously attended if the student wants courses
evaluate to be considered towards a degree at ľƵ. Students must declare their degree
by the financial assistance census date or no later than the last date of the 100%
refund period.
Not Meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress
Notification
Students not meeting SAP requirements are notified when a SAP Checklist item is added
to the myľƵ/PeopleSoft To Do List. Students are emailed a To Do list letter through
myľƵ/PeopleSoft indicating that there are items that need to be addressed related
to financial assistance. Students and appropriate staff are able to view financial
assistance checklist items and instructions in the myľƵ Student Center.
Receiving all W, F, I, AD, U, or EXP Grades
If a student receives all W, F, I, or EXP grades for a semester, the Financial Assistance
Office will determine the last date of attendance and calculate any repayment the
student may owe for funds received. If unable to determine the last date of attendance,
the 50% date will be used for the Return of Title IV (R2T4) determination.
Financial Assistance Suspension
If at any time the students semester or cumulative completion rate drops below 67%
and/or the cumulative grade point average drops below a 2.0, the students eligibility
for additional financial assistance is suspended.
Reinstatement of Financial Assistance
If a student has been denied receipt of financial assistance due to unsatisfactory
academic progress, the student must, at their own expense, achieve the minimum requirements
for SAP: 67% cumulative completion rate, 67% prior semester completion rate, and a
2.0 cumulative GPA.
Financial Assistance Appeal Process
If a student is placed on financial assistance suspension, the student may appeal
to the Financial Assistance Appeals Committee. The student must complete a online and meet with an Academic Counselor to develop and Academic Plan that explains
how the student will be successful moving forward.
Students Not Meeting Qualitative (Cumulative GPA) or Quantitative Standards (Rate
or Pace)
Student appeals for Qualitative and Quantitative issues are typically based on an
unforeseen medical issues, death of a relative, or other extenuating circumstances
which resulted in the student not achieving the units or grade point average required
by ľƵ Satisfactory Academic Progress standards. The appeal may be strengthened with
supporting documentation written by a third party on letterhead that verifies the
students situation. Third party documentation may also include instructors verification
of the students last date of attendance, letters from doctors, statements from hospitals,
etc. Additional documentation is required for medical reasons, death, or other extenuating
circumstances. The Financial Assistance Appeals Committee will consider the students
written statement, all supporting documentation, prior academic history, and potential
for academic success prior to determining a decision.
Students will be notified of the decision by email through myľƵ/PeopleSoft. The decision
by the Financial Assistance Appeals Committee is final and cannot be appealed further.
Financial Assistance Probation
If an appeal is approved for probation, the student will be placed on probation for
one semester. Students must complete 67% of the units attempted during the probationary
semester. The student must also maintain a 2.0 GPA during the probationary semester.
Failure to satisfactorily meet the terms of a probationary period will result in the
immediate suspension of financial assistance eligibility.
Financial Assistance Academic Plan:
Students are required to meet the conditions of Financial Assistance Probation. Students
who meet the terms of probation, but are not yet meeting the minimum Satisfactory
Academic Progress requirements must continue meeting the terms outlined in an Academic
Plan to continue receiving financial assistance. Additionally, students who are submitting
a second appeal requesting an additional probationary semester and are approved by
the Financial Aid Appeals Committee are required to follow terms outlined in an Academic
Plan to receive financial assistance. The Academic Plan will outline specific requirements
that the student must meet until he is able to reach the minimum Satisfactory Academic
Progress requirements. The student must complete a Financial Assistance Appeal and
Academic Plan form with an Academic Counselor.
Students Exceeding the Maximum Timeframe (Maximum Number of Units for Degree Program)
Exceptions to the maximum timeframe limits may be considered on an individual basis
and with an explanation of the students special circumstances. Students who have credits
that need to be completed for their degree program may submit a maximum credit appeal
for consideration by the Financial Aid Appeals Committee. The student must complete
a Financial Assistance Appeal and Academic Plan form with Academic Counselor. The
Financial Aid Appeals Committee will review the students appeal form, course history,
and degree audit report when making a decision. The form is submitted online through
the Financial Assistance Office or website using the link below.
Repeated Courses
All repeated courses will be counted as attempted units when calculating the maximum
unit limit. Financial Assistance funding is limited to only one repeat of any particular
course, if the repeat is to improve a grade of D or higher. Repeats of failed classes
or those with W grades are allowed. When units are repeated, the grade earned in the
latest class will be used to determine the students GPA.