1. Achieving Satisfactory Academic Progress Presented By University Advising and Financial Aid

2. ASAP: Achieving Satisfactory Academic Progress
At the end of this session you should be able to:
Understand how SAP affects financial aid eligibility
Learn how to calculate your GPA
Know the difference between SAP and UMASS Boston academic standing
Make informed decisions
Determine if you may appeal your ineligibility for financial aid based on extenuating circumstances

3. Federal Regulations
Federal regulations requires colleges and universities to monitor three standards of Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP):
Grade Point Average (GPA)
2.0 or better GPA is required
Pace (completion rate)
Must complete 67% of attempted credits
Time Frame (maximum credits attempted)
150% of degree credits required for degree; for example,150% of a 120 credit program is 180 credits.
Affects financial aid eligibility
Students who are not meeting SAP standards are not eligible for financial aid funds
There is an appeal process for extenuating circumstances

4. How SAP Affects Financial Aid Eligibility
Students who are not in good SAP standing are not eligible for Federal, State or Institutional Aid. Examples of each type of aid include (but are not limited to):
Federal Aid
Pell Grant
SEOG (Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant)
Subsidized/Unsubsidized loans
Parent Plus Loans
Federal Work Study
State Aid
Mass Grant
Mass Cash Grant
Need Based Tuition Credit
Institutional Aid
UMass Boston Grants
Some lenders for private/alternative education loans require students to be in good SAP standing, check terms and conditions.

5. Grades and Transcripts Right click to open the hyperlink
UMB Grading System
How is GPA calculated?
Grades and Transcripts
Right click to open the hyperlink

6. Degree Progress Report
Where do I find my GPA?
Degree Progress Report
Transcript

7. How is GPA calculated?
Multiply the grade points for each course by the number of credit hours each course is worth. The resulting value is referred to as “Quality Points”
Add together earned quality points for all courses completed in a semester
Divide the sum by the total number of completed semester credit hours
Credit Hours Grade (Equivalent) Quality pts
x C- (1.7) =
x B- (2.7) =
x C- (1.7) =
x C- (1.7) =
TOTAL:
23.4 (Quality pts) ÷ 12 (credit hrs) =  semester GPA

8. UMASS Boston GPA Calculator
Note: This calculator is for estimating purpose only

9. Academic Standing 3.5+ 2.0 Less than 2.0 Dean’s List/Honors
Good Standing
Alert
Warning
Probation
Extended Probation
Suspension
Dismissal
3.5+
2.0
Less than 2.0

10. Pace Successfully completed credits ÷ Attempted credits
You must complete, with passing grades, 67%
(two-thirds) of the total number of credits you attempt.
This includes non-degree coursework, and courses you might have taken at UMB many years ago
Grades of F, W, INC, or NA must be counted
as ‘attempts’
Transfer credits count as both attempted and earned

11. How Pace Works Kim’s first year FALL 2017 GRADE CREDITS SPRING 2018
ENGL 101 B+ 3
MATH 115 W
PHIL 108 A
EEOS 120 B
EEOS 121 1
SPRING 2018
GRADE
CREDITS
ECON 101
INC 3
ENGL 102 W
SPAN 101 NA 4
PHIL 110G
Total Credits Attempted
Total Credits Completed
Completion Rate 27 9
9/27 = 33%

12. Time Frame
Students may not attempt more than 150% of the program length in order to receive financial aid
For most undergraduate programs, this limit is 180 credits
Double majors – If all requirements are met for one major, they are ineligible for financial aid
A copy of the Degree Audit is required for all time frame appeals
Please note that there are limits on federal loans and Pell grants that may apply even if you are meeting SAP standards and/or have an appeal approved

13. Loan and Pell Aggregates
There is a limit to the amount of federal loans and Pell grants students receive.
Undergraduate Dependent Students
Subsidized – $23,000
Total subsidized and unsubsidized - $31,000
Undergraduate Independent Students
Subsidized - $23,000
Total subsidized and unsubsidized - $57,500
Pell Grant
600% (6-years of full-time status)
View your Federal loan and Pell Grant history at , login using your FSA/FAFSA credentials

14. Academic Standing vs. Satisfactory Academic Progress
Institutional Policy
Based only on your GPA
Affects your academic status with the university
Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
Federal Policy
Based on GPA, Pace & Time Frame
Affects financial aid eligibility

15. -Grading/course options
Informed Decisions
-Grading/course options
Grading Options
Pass/Fail
Course Withdrawal
University Withdrawal
Incompletes
Resources
options
-Resources

16. Pass-Fail Grading Option
Pass = P (not in GPA)
Fail = F (in GPA)
Things to consider:
Talk to your instructor
Some majors/minors don’t allow Pass-Fail: CHECK!
Declare Pass-Fail via WISER by deadline
Maximum of eight, one per semester
Pass-Fail Grading Option
Right click to open the hyperlink

17. “P” with Pass-Fail Semester GPA: 1.75 Semester GPA: 2.0
With Letter Grade
With Pass/Fail
ENGL 101: C
MATH 115: C
PHIL108: C
PSYCH100: D
Semester GPA: 1.75
ENGL101: C
MATH115: C
PHIL108: C
PSYCH100: P
Semester GPA: 2.0

18. Course Withdrawal Option
Withdrawal = “W” on transcript (not in GPA)
Student pays for the course
Things to consider:
Talk to your instructor
Talk to your advisor
Impacts financial aid – contact the financial aid office before withdrawing from a course.
Declare “W” via WISER by deadline
Course Withdrawal Option
Right click to open the hyperlink
University Withdrawal
Must submit undergraduate withdrawal form by last day of classes.

19. “F” vs. “W” “F” with Pass/Fail With Withdrawal ENGL 101: C MATH115: C
PHIL108: F
PSYCH100: C
Semester GPA: 1.5
ENGL 101: C MATH115: C PHIL108: W PSYCH100: C Semester GPA: 2.0

20. Course Withdrawals vs. University Withdrawals
Withdrawing from individual courses, while still remaining enrolled
Still have to pay for courses
No financial aid adjustments to current semester
Affects SAP – Pace/Time Frame
University Withdrawal
Full withdrawal from all of your classes
Financial aid is prorated based on last date of attendance
Still charged for courses
Could result in balance owed

21. NA Grades
NA grades indicate that the student never attended the course. Financial aid is prorated for every NA grade posted For Example: Credits Attempted: 10 Financial Aid Awarded on 10 credits NA grade posted in a 4cr course Financial Aid is adjusted to 6 credits Student is still charged for 10 credits
COURSE
CREDITS
GRADE
English 101 3
(In Progress)
Spanish 101
BIOL 111 4 NA

22. No Passing Grades
Students who do not receive any passing grades for a semester will have their financial aid prorated based on the last date of an academic related activity.
Treated as a semester withdrawal for financial aid purposes
May result in a balance owed

23. Incomplete Grade Policy
Incomplete (“INC”) grades may be granted by the instructor. The INC is granted only if the student has extenuating circumstances that prevents them from completing coursework before the end of the semester.
The student and instructor must fill out an Incomplete Contract before the INC grade can be granted. A copy of this contract must be included with the SAP appeal.
INC grades must be completed within one year.
Instructors may impose a stricter deadline
INC grades not changed to a letter grade within one year will be graded as “IF”. This is considered a failing grade and will be factored as an “F” in the GPA.
Incomplete Grade Policy

24. Right click to open the hyperlink
Repeat Policy
Maximum of four repeats allowed
Both the first and the second earned grades appear on transcripts
When student repeats a course, the first grade comes out of the GPA, and the second grade replaces the first
Credit is only earned once
Each repeat counts as an attempt for SAP
Example: You failed English 101. This counts as 3 credits attempted, 0 credit completed.You repeat and pass English 101 the next term. SAP calculates this as 6 credits attempted, 3 completed.
Students cannot retake a course out of sequence (cannot repeat SPAN 101 after passing SPAN 102)
Financial aid restrictions may apply for previously passed courses
Course Repeat Policy
Right click to open the hyperlink

25. SAP Appeal Process
Check your WISER to-do list to determine what you need to submit for your appeal
Attend Achieving Satisfactory Academic Progress Workshop (ASAP)
Write your personal statement that explains why you failed to meet SAP standards, what has changed and/or the steps you are taking to meet SAP standards by the end of the semester.
Submit documentation to support your appeal
If you have an Academic Plan on your to-do list, meet with your assigned academic advisor to complete an Academic Plan
Submit completed appeal to Financial Aid

26. Personal Statement
You must submit a signed typewritten statement describing:
The reasons/circumstances why you are not meeting SAP standards. Be as specific as possible. Explain all F’s, Withdrawals and Incompletes (provide a copy of your incomplete contract).
How your circumstances have changed that will allow you to meet Satisfactory Academic Progress standards. Outline the specific steps you are taking to get back on track.
Attach documentation to support your appeal

27. INDICATE REASON/CIRCUMSTANCES EXAMPLES OF SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION
Personal Statement
Examples of Extenuating Circumstances p
INDICATE REASON/CIRCUMSTANCES
EXAMPLES OF SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION
Student’s own mental or physical illness, injury or disability
Letter from health care provider
Dates of hospital stays
Discharge paperwork
Death of a family member or significant person in your life (list your relationship to the deceased)
Death certificate
Obituary
Memorial/funeral service pamphlet
Divorce/Separation of Parents or Student
Divorce Decree
Separation paperwork
Letter from attorney
Any other official court documents
Family financial hardships
Letter from employer
Serious illness or injury of a family member
Letter from family member’s health care provider or social worker stating the need for student to be a caregiver
Legal obligations/circumstances
Copy of police reports
Copy of court documents
Victim of Assault or Domestic Violence
Copy of restraining order(s)
Letter from a Social Worker or other professional familiar with the case
Other Personal Circumstances
Provide supporting documentation

28. Deadlines SAP Deadlines Fall SAP Appeals: October 1st
Spring SAP Appeals: April 1st
Summer SAP Appeals July 1st
Important University Deadlines – Spring 2019
Add/Drop: February 4th
Pass/Fail, Withdrawal: April 19th

29. Academic Plan
Only complete the academic plan if noted on your WISER to-do list
Download academic plan from financial aid website:
Schedule a 1 hour appointment with your advisor
See first page of academic plan for advisor/success center information)
Please do not attempt to complete your plan during a walk-in session
The academic plan is a contract, you must adhere to the plan. Please contact your advisor if you need to make any changes.
You will NOT receive financial aid if your appeal is not approved. If approved, you must follow your academic plan to continue receiving financial aid.

30. Where to complete your academic plan
College Affiliation
Location
Students readmitted through the Standards & Credits process (CLA, CSM, SFE, ECHD, CPCS)
Office of Undergraduate Studies
Campus Center, 1st floor, room
Undeclared students, Colleges of Liberal Arts & Science and Math
University Advising Center, Campus Center, 1st floor, room 1100,
College of Liberal Arts declared students
CLA Advising Office, Wheatley Building, 2nd floor, Suite 4,
College of Science & Mathematics declared students
CSM Success Center, Science Building, 2nd floor, room 60,
College of Management students with fewer than 60 credits
College of Management students with more than 60 credits
CM Student Services, McCormack Building, 5th floor, room 610,
College of Education and Human Development
Wheatley Building, 1st floor, room 51,
College of Public and Community Services with less than 60 credits
College of Public and Community Services with more than 60 credits
Wheatley Building, 4th floor, room 151,
College of Nursing and Health Sciences
Science Building, 2nd floor, room 13,
Student Support Services (SSS)
Campus Center, 1st floor, room 1100,

31. SAP Appeal Process
Check your Wiser student center for information regarding your Financial Aid SAP Appeal Status For follow up questions, contact: Financial Aid Services Kim Fragopoulos Student Retention Specialist Phone: Fax: Lena Quadros Senior Associate Director Phone: Fax:

32. Next Steps
Financial Aid Appeals committee will notify you of their decision within 14 business days of receipt of completed appeal
Appeals which are approved will be on a probationary basis and will be reviewed after one semester.
Students who are approved will be awarded based on available funding.
If your appeal is DENIED, you will not be eligible to receive Financial Aid until you meet the requirements of Satisfactory Academic Progress
Have a back up plan for tuition payment in case your appeal is denied. Consider setting up a payment plan with the Bursar’s Office

33. SAP Status Page in WISER

34. SAP Status Page in WISER – Appeal Approved

35. SAP Status Page in WISER – Appeal Denied

36. Resources Academic Support Services - CC-1-1300
Reading, Writing, Study Strategy Center, & Skills Workshops
Healey Library, Quinn Administration Building
Subject and Math tutoring
University Advising Center – CC
Career Services - CC
Disability Services(Ross Center),CC-UL-240
Counseling Center- Quinn
Health Center- Quinn
College Success Centers, check with your college

37. Questions?