SFS – Satisfactory Academic Progress
Evangel University is required by law to establish satisfactory academic progress standards to gauge the progress of students receiving financial assistance through federal, state or institutional aid programs by applying both qualitative and quantitative measurements to academic work. [34 CFR 668.16(e)] These measurements shall be used to determine a student’s eligibility for all federal Title IV aid and for other need-based financial assistance, unless the terms of a particular grant or funding source states otherwise.
General Guidelines
The academic policy at Evangel University is designed to enable students to achieve graduation requirements. A grade point average of 2.0 is required of all students to graduate. Academic progress is measured by Qualitative and Quantitative measures. All students must meet the requirements of both quantitative and qualitative satisfactory academic progress to receive federal aid.
Quantitative Satisfactory Academic Progress
Students must complete 67% of the number of credit hours for which they enroll each semester to remain eligible for federal financial aid. To establish a quantitative measure, a time frame is set for students to finish a program of study.
Maximum Time Frame
Regulations require the maximum time frame to not exceed 150% of the published length of the program, measured in the required academic credit hours. For example, the length of most undergraduate academic programs is 124 credit hours required for degree completion and may not exceed 186 attempted credit hours (150% of 124 credit hours = 186 maximum attempted hours).
Qualitative Satisfactory Academic Progress
Students who drop below the following minimum cumulative GPA will be placed on Financial Aid Probation. (The cumulative GPA includes credits and GPA transferred from other institutions).
| Number of Credits Attempted | Minimum Cumulative GPA |
|---|---|
| 1 – 29.5 | 1.50 |
| 30 – 44.5 | 1.70 |
| 45 – 59.5 | 1.90 |
| 60+ | 2.0 |
Evaluation Period
A students academic progress will be evaluated at the end of the spring semester for the preceding fall and spring academic year to determine a student’s eligibility. Students completing the academic year and who are also enrolled in the summer term will be reviewed for satisfactory progress after the completion of the summer term. [34 CFR 668.34] Continually enrolled students (Degree Completion/Professional Studies) are also reviewed at the end of their academic year to include fall, spring & summer. Students who have been out of compliance in a previous year may have their records reviewed at the end of each term.
Financial Aid Probation
A student who does not fulfill the conditions of satisfactory academic progress is automatically placed on probation and notified in writing by Student Financial Services of his/her status. The probationary period is for one academic year. Students may continue to enroll in classes and receive aid during the probationary term. Failure to overcome the deficiency within the probationary period will result in the suspension of financial aid.
Financial Aid Suspension
If a student has been on probation for one academic year and has not regained satisfactory eligibility, they will be placed on suspension. Financial aid suspension will result in the loss of all federal and institutional aid.
Re-establishing Academic Progress
A student is removed from financial aid probation when the student makes up the appropriate grade point and/or credit deficiency during the probationary period. A student on suspension is removed from financial aid suspension when the student makes up the appropriate grade point and/or credit deficiency or an appeal has been granted. This may require the student to attend another college or university to bring up the GPA and meet the necessary hours for progression. If a student who is suspended successfully completes a term without receiving financial aid and meets the satisfactory academic progress requirements, the student may then regain financial aid eligibility by filing an appeal to request reinstatement for the following term.
Repeated Classes
Classes in which the student received a grade of “F” may be repeated in order to earn a higher grade. For a class to count as a repeated course, the class must be taken both times at Evangel. In all cases, the grade earned the last time a student takes the course replaces the earlier grade. The record of the previous grade remains on the transcript, but it does not affect the grade point average.
Withdrawn Classes
Students may withdraw from a class and receive a W with no GPA penalty through the end of week 9 each semester. During weeks 10 through 14, withdrawal requires either WP (Withdraw Passing, no GPA penalty) or WF (Withdraw Failing, counted as an F for grade calculation). No withdrawals are accepted during the final examination week.
Incomplete Classes
An incomplete grade is a temporary grade, assigned at the end of a semester, to permit students additional time to complete work in the course when one or more required assignments are not completed because of illness, accident, death in family, or other satisfactory reason. Incomplete grades do not earn credit or influence the grade point in the semester in which the course is incomplete, however, the course grades are counted once concluded. Incompletes must be completed by the end of the following semester. A student on probation or suspension may regain eligibility when a grade is posted for the incomplete grade.
Audited Classes
Audited classes receive no credit and do not influence grade point average. They are not counted in credits attempted and are not eligible for financial aid.
Remedial Classes
Remedial classes will be included in the total number of credits for the semester when determining financial aid eligibility.
Pass/Fail Classes
Pass/Fail classes are not calculated in the cumulative GPA but are included in credits attempted.
Transfer Students
Transfer students are accepted from regionally accredited colleges/universities on the basis of transcripts and satisfactory student records. Credits may be granted for most standard university courses with grades of C- or higher. Transfer students who are admitted and do not meet our quantitative and/or qualitative standard will be notified that they are on probation for their first academic year.
Change of Major
Changing majors may or may not result in the student meeting qualitative or quantitative measures. Any change of major should be carefully considered and students are encouraged to consult their academic advisor when contemplating a change of major. If the major change is being considered to allow more financial aid funding, the student should check with Student Financial Services before making the change to ensure that the change will result in their regaining or retaining eligibility.
Appeals Procedures
Students who have been suspended from financial aid due to their failure to comply with the academic progress policy have the right to appeal, if the suspension is a result of unusual circumstances, such as illness, death in the family, accidents, or other satisfactory reasons. [34 CFR 668.16(e)(5)(6)] Appeals must be submitted to the Financial Aid Appeal Committee to explain and document the circumstances. Appeals must be received no later than two weeks prior to the beginning of an academic year or two weeks prior to the beginning of the term the student is enrolled in. Students will receive written notification of the committee’s decision. If the appeal is denied, students may request a personal hearing with the committee. The decision of the Financial Aid Appeal Committee is final. Appeal form and directions.
Amendments to the Policy
This policy will be amended whenever applicable federal or state laws or regulations change.