For reference, the table below lists the regulatory areas related to SAP. The left column shows the title of the regulatory section and summarizes the main content of some of the sections. The middle column includes a link to each regulatory section in the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations and any related guidance posted in the Knowledge Center. Where applicable, the associated assessment activity is listed in the third column.
Standards of administrative capability 34 CFR 668.16(e)
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SAP as part of student eligibility 34 CFR 668.32(f)
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Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy 34 CFR 668.34 Required SAP Policy elements include
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Policy must be at least as strict or stricter (both qualitatively/pace and quantitatively/GPA, see below) as the policy the institution applies to students not receiving Title IV aid
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Qualitative Measurement (GPA or other comparable assessments measured against a norm)
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For programs greater than two academic years, the school must check the qualitative measure at the end of the second academic year (student must have a “C” or its equivalent or have an academic standing consistent with the institution's requirements for graduation)
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Quantitative measurement (the pace at which a student must progress to complete the program within the maximum timeframe). No longer required for subscription-based programs, nonterm programs, and clock hour programs.
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Maximum Timeframe (no more than 150% of the published length of the academic program for undergraduate programs; for graduate programs, a period defined by the school, which is based on the length of the program)
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Clock-hour programs as measured by the cumulative number of clock-hours the student is required to complete, expressed in calendar time
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Credit hour programs can measure in credit hours or calendar time. Written policy for Incompletes, Withdrawals, Repetitions, and transfer of credit from other schools
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All SAP measurements must be cumulative
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Formal SAP evaluations correspond to the end of a payment period
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Frequency of SAP evaluation
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Must include evaluation at the end of each payment period for programs of one year or less
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For all other programs, at least an annual review to correspond with the end of a payment period
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Notifying students of results of any SAP review that impacts student Title IV eligibility
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Regardless of appeal process, school must always describe how a student who has lost Title IV aid due to failing SAP can reestablish eligibility for Title IV aid
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Remedial coursework must be factored into a qualitative measurement but is not required to be included in the quantitative measurement
Optional SAP Policy elements include:
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SAP Warning (applicable only if school checks SAP each payment period)
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Students placed on probation with successful appeal
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May develop academic plans for students on probation
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May develop different SAP policies for different categories of students (e.g., undergraduate vs. graduate, full-time vs. part-time, different programs)
REMINDER: A school can always be more restrictive and include additional elements or create more restrictive measurements.
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Last Modified: 11/25/2024