SATISFACTORY ACADEMIC PROGRESS (SAP) REQUIREMENTS FOR UNDERGRADUATE FINANCIAL AID RECIPIENTS

Federal, state and University regulations require that financial aid recipients show satisfactory academic progress toward their degree objective in order to continue to receive financial aid. UCR has established the following guidelines to measure timely advancement toward a student’s degree objective.

The following information addresses common questions about satisfactory academic progress (SAP).

1. What programs are governed by SAP requirements?

The following federal programs require SAP: Pell Grant, Academic Competitiveness Grant, National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent Grant, Perkins Loan, Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, Work-Study, Direct Stafford Loan (both subsidized and unsubsidized) and the Direct PLUS loan programs. The policy also applies to Cal Grant, and all scholarship, grant, or loan programs that are funded by the University. (Scholarships may also have additional academic requirements).

The SAP policy does not apply to recipients of tuition remission, outside agency awards, departmental awards, or others who are not receiving any federal, state, or University funds.

2. What are the SAP requirements for undergraduate financial aid recipients?

• Undergraduate students must have a cumulative grade point average of 2.00 or better at the conclusion of the preceding academic year (i.e., Spring Quarter 2008 for 2008-2009 aid).
• Earn a minimum number of units for credit each quarter (see Yearly Progress Table).
• Complete your degree objective within a maximum number of full-time quarters enrolled (see Yearly Progress Table, for “Quarters Remaining”).

3. How is SAP monitored?

The Financial Aid Office monitors your SAP at the end of each academic year. The grade point average, yearly unit progress and the maximum quarters remaining are reviewed based on records from the Registrar’s Office for Spring 2008 to determine aid eligibility for the 2008-2009 academic year. Your maximum quarters remaining will also be evaluated at the end of Fall and Winter terms of 2008-2009.

Students approved for an extension of aid for their 17th and 18th quarters of enrollment will no longer be entitled to UCR Grant and SEOG Grant. Students enrolled after 18 quarters will no longer be eligible for any financial aid.

4. How does a change in major affect SAP?

If this change will require more than 18 quarters for graduation, you could run out of quarters of eligibility for financial aid before you complete your degree.

5. How is transfer course work taken into account with regard to SAP requirements?

Your previous attendance at other postsecondary institutions is considered in determining the number of quarters for which you may be considered for financial assistance at UCR. The total number of units accepted as transfer credit by the UCR Admissions Office (including AP credit) is divided by 12 units. The result is added to UCR quarters of attendance, then rounded down to the nearest whole number and deducted from the 18 total quarters allowed for degree completion. This result is the total number of quarters of aid eligibility that you have upon entering UCR.

While at UCR, transfer students must complete a minimum number of units per quarter, according to the Yearly Progress Table.

6. Which grades count for SAP unit progress?

Grades of A through D qualify toward SAP credit.

The following grades do not qualify for unit credit toward SAP:

The table below shows the minimum number of units you must successfully complete for credit each quarter to satisfy SAP requirements and the maximum quarters of eligibility. (Note: you generally must be enrolled in at least 12 units each quarter in order to receive your full financial aid award).

MAXIMUM QUARTERS OF ELIGIBILITY

7. What is the maximum time allowed for an undergraduate to receive financial aid in order to complete their degree program?

Undergraduates in degree programs are eligible for financial aid for a maximum of 18 quarters of enrollment, for the first degree. Additional quarters will be granted for majors requiring more than 180 units.

All quarters and transfer units are counted toward the maximum quarters of eligibility, regardless of whether you received financial aid during those periods of enrollment. Attempted units are considered toward this maximum.

8. Summer Session

Units attempted and grades earned at UCR during summer session count toward the minimum cumulative unit and GPA requirement. Enrollment in 12 units or more during summer counts as 1 quarter of enrollment.
Summer units transferred to UCR from other institutions count toward the minimum cumulative unit requirement.

FAILURE TO MAINTAIN SATISFACTORY ACADEMIC PROGRESS

9. What happens when a financial aid recipient does not meet the SAP requirements?

The Financial Aid Office sends a written notice each summer to students who have reached the maximum quarters of eligibility, or who have not met the GPA or yearly unit progress requirement. Future financial aid is put on hold and is later canceled unless mitigating circumstances are documented via the appeal process (see below).

APPEALS

10. What are the procedures if I want to appeal the decision to discontinue my financial aid?

If you have extenuating circumstances, you may appeal the determination that you are no longer eligible for financial aid. You will need to submit your SAP appeal online, as explained on the SAP letter that will be sent to you via Webmail. Your appeal must be submitted no later than the 3rd week of the quarter.

Use the appeal process to report:

• Extenuating circumstances which prevented you from maintaining satisfactory academic progress, but which have since been resolved.

• Grade changes.

• Part-time enrollment as approved by an academic advisor.

AFTER APPEAL, WHAT’S NEXT?

11. After I submit my appeal, what are the next steps?

The Financial Aid Office will notify you when your appeal is approved or denied. If it is approved, the Financial Aid Office staff will release your financial aid which was on hold for Satisfactory Academic Progress.

If your appeal is denied, your future financial aid will be canceled. If you are a student employed through the Federal Work-Study program you must terminate your employment unless your employer is willing to pay 100% of your salary. You will be responsible to pay fees and school expenses with your own resources. Private student loans are available. You will also be instructed on how to reinstate your financial aid for future quarters.

For further questions

U.C. Riverside
Financial Aid Office
1156 Hinderaker Hall
Riverside, CA 92521
TEL: (951) 827-3878
FAX: (951) 827-5619