Progress toward a degree from a financial aid perspective Jennifer Marcus Epperson Lane Smith Associate Director Student Financial Services Samford University Birmingham, AL Director Student Financial Services Samford University Birmingham, AL

Agenda for our time together Who we are… A few stats… Why is progress toward a degree important? Why is it important for Registrars and FA to work together to monitor and encourage progress toward a degree? What are some strategies for teaming up to monitor and encourage progress toward a degree?

A few stats Samford University Founded 1841 Currently celebrating 175th anniversary Located in Homewood, AL – suburb of Birmingham Private, Christian institution of higher education Alabama’s nationally top ranked university

A few stats Samford University 5,471 students (fall 2016) 3,341 undergraduates 2,130 graduates 47 states/29 countries 10 academic schools 89% fall-to-fall freshman retention rate 73% six-year cohort graduation rate

Why is ptd important? A measurement of success Presidents/Chancellors VP for Enrollment Management Boards of Trustees/Overseers/Visitors State funding equations Accreditation Rankings Students/Families

Why is ptd important? Increased public scrutiny Over $1.1 trillion in student loan debt

Why is ptd important? Increased public scrutiny Over $1.1 trillion in student loan debt Per student indebtedness increasing

Why is ptd important? Increased public scrutiny Over $1.1 trillion in student loan debt Per student indebtedness increasing US Department of Education and Cohort Default Rates Changes in student loan delivery placed responsibility for entire federal student loan program with the Dept. of Ed

Why is ptd important? Increased public scrutiny Over $1.1 trillion in student loan debt Per student indebtedness increasing US Department of Education and Cohort Default Rates Changes in student loan delivery makes DOE directly responsible for entire federal student loan program Cohort Default Rates as a measurement of success Federal regulations

What regulations govern ptd? Federal regulations for financial aid Initial and Continuing Student Eligibility Who is a Title IV eligible student? Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Sub 150 (the 150% limit) Pell LEU

What regulations govern ptd? Initial Eligibility A regular student A degree seeking student Eligible program Enrolled at least half time Six hours for undergraduate students Varies for graduate students

Why is ptd important? Continuing Eligibility Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Must be checked periodically Must be as strict as University Academic Policy Three components: Qualitative Quantitative Maximum Time Frame

Why is ptd important? Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Must be checked at least once per year Possibly at the conclusion of each term Certain benefits for this option Annually at a minimum

Why is ptd important? Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Must be as strict as University Academic policy

Why is ptd important? Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Three components: Qualitative Cumulative Grade Point Average Quantitative Number of credits earned and attempted for period of measurement

Why is ptd important? Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Three components: (cont) Maximum Time Frame Typically 150% of the total hours/credits needed to complete the degree

Why is ptd important? Sub 150 – the 150% limit New or first-time borrowers July 1, 2013 and beyond Student has 150% of the time needed to complete a degree to maintain loan subsidies

Why is ptd important? Pell Lifetime Eligibility Usage Loss of Pell Grant eligibility after six years Student’s progress vs. program length Does not affect other Title IV aid

Other opportunities for collaboration Monthly meetings – more often as needed Consultants – share time Conference/List-serv info sharing Open-door policy

Questions?

Contact Information Jennifer Marcus Epperson jmmarcus@Samford.edu 205.726.2905 Lane Smith lane.smith@samford.edu