Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
Standards, Reinstatements and Appeals
Federal regulations require that all students receiving financial aid while attending Sierra College meet established standards of Satisfactory Academic Progress. Students are evaluated against the following three standards. Failure to comply with any of these standards will result first in probation (warning) at the end of the first semester and then termination (ineligible for financial aid) at the end of the second semester.
Students who fail to complete any courses for which financial aid was received (i.e.: receives “W”, “I”, “F”, or “NC” grades in all classes) will be immediately terminated from all financial aid programs.
- Grade Point Average (GPA): Students must maintain a cumulative (overall) 2.0 GPA each semester.
- Unit Deficiency: Students must complete the following number of units based on their units attempted with 2.0 GPA (“C” grades or better):
| Units Attempted | Units to Complete with 2.0 GPA | |
|---|---|---|
| 12 units or more | At least 9 units | |
| 9 to 11.5 units | At least 8 units | |
| 6 to 8.5 units | At least 6 units | |
| 0.5 to 5.5 units | All enrolled units |
- Total Units Earned/90‐Unit Limit: Students may receive financial aid until a total of 90 units have been attempted, regardless of how much aid has been received. Up to 30 units of remedial course work may be deducted from the total attempted units. Sierra College is required to use all attempted units as well as those with a passing grade. ESL units do not count towards the 90 unit limit.
GPA Calculator
See what you need to do to improve your overall GPA with the GPA Calculator.
Petition for Reinstatement
A student who has been terminated from financial aid due to a low GPA and/or unit deficiency may appeal to the Financial Aid Advisory Committee (FAAC) for reinstatement, provided the student is eligible to enroll at Sierra College.
To apply for reinstatement after termination due to a low GPA and/or unit deficiency, the student must complete the “Financial Aid Reinstatement Petition” form. FAAC will review your appeal. Reinstatement may be granted for documented medical problems, family emergencies, and other circumstances outside the student’s control. If a student receives an approved Petition, often times it will be for grant funds only.
Loans may be denied until the student can sufficiently demonstrate that they have the ability to maintain a sufficient GPA. Typically, the student whose petition is denied must make up the GPA and/or unit deficiency without financial aid before being reconsidered for reinstatement. A student must complete 6 units with a 2.0 cumulative GPA in one term. It is the student’s responsibility to notify the Financial Aid Office of the completion of such a deficiency.
90 Unit Limit Appeal
A student may receive financial aid until a total of 90 units have been attempted, regardless of how much aid has been received. Up to 30 units of remedial coursework may be deducted. A student who has been terminated from financial aid due to attempting over 90 units may appeal to the FAAC for reinstatement, provided the student is eligible to enroll at Sierra College.
To apply for reinstatement after termination due to attempting over 90 units, the student must file a “90 Unit Appeal” form. FAAC will review your appeal. In very rare cases, an exception can be made to the unit limitation.
Financial Aid Advisory Committee
The Financial Aid Advisory Committee (FAAC) is comprised of Sierra College staff members who meet regularly to review financial aid petitions and appeals. Students must provide the required documentation and details in their personal statements to provide the FAAC with adequate information to evaluate the student’s situation. FAAC may deny appeals and petitions if the Student Education Plan is not comprehensive or is outdated, or if the student does not provide sufficient details and supporting documentation to demonstrate their situation.
It will take between 3 to 6 weeks for Reinstatement Petitions and 90-unit Appeals to be reviewed by the Financial Aid Advisory Committee. When a decision is made, it will be posted on the student’s MySierra student account (click on the Financial Aid tab and then go to Financial Aid Status). Approved reinstatement does not guarantee eligibility for all financial aid programs. Aid may be reduced and/or loans may not be approved.