Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy (SAPPOL) 

The United States Department of Education requires students receiving financial aid to maintain satisfactory academic progress. The policy, monitored by the Records Office and the Financial Aid Office, is divided into three components: duration of eligibility, hours attempted, and grade point average. A student must be making progress in all three areas to continue financial aid eligibility. The Cleary University policy to comply with this requirement is as follows:

Duration of Eligibility
Eligibility is based on a student's entire academic record, whether or not financial aid was given during any quarter. Accountability starts with the student's entry date at Cleary University and would also include transfer hours from other institutions. According to federal regulation 668.16 (e)(ii)(B), enacted April 29, 1994, the time to complete the educational program length, as a full-time student, may not exceed more than 150% of the published length. This means that a four-year program must be completed by the 6th year [4 X 150% = 6]. Total credits allowed for undergraduate studies would be no more than 270 credits (180 x 1.5.).

Hours Attempted
Effective September 1999, each new, continuing, or reactivating student must successfully complete 67% of the hours attempted during each evaluation period. The evaluation period will consist of three terms, one academic year 668.16 (e)(c). If by the end of the evaluation period the student has not successfully completed at least 67% of the hours for which he/she officially registered, financial aid for the following term may be cancelled.

Examples of a 67% completion rate during a one-term period would be:

• If you registered for 12 credits each term, you would need to complete at least 8 credits. If you registered for 9 credits each term, you would need to complete at least 6 credits.
• If you registered for 6 credits each term, you would need to complete at least 4 credits.

For financial aid purposes, the following grades will be counted as unsatisfactory completion: I, E, W, NC, and IW. Retaken classes are considered as attempted courses when determining completion rates. Note: Incompletes (I) must be converted to a letter grade. Your transcript will be evaluated again after an I is converted to a letter grade.

Grade Point Average
A student's cumulative grade point average (GPA), calculated from all classes taken and all grades received while attending Cleary University, may not drop below 2.0 for more than three consecutive terms.

All students eligible for the Michigan Tuition Grant can receive the grant for a maximum of 15 terms at full-time status.

Effective with the beginning of the 1998-99 award year, those students who first received Student Financial Assistance (SFA) program funds, must have either a C average or its equivalent, or have academic standing consistent with the requirements for graduation from the program at the end of the second academic year.

Academic Dismissal
A student receiving financial aid who has been dismissed for academic reasons must make an appointment with the Financial Aid Office to determine eligibility for reinstatement of financial aid. If a student is found to be ineligible for aid based on a prior evaluation period, and a financial award for the following term is made, the award may be cancelled.

Regaining Eligibility
Unless unusual circumstances exist, students denied aid because the required number of credits was not successfully completed for the period aid was received must complete the necessary course work at their own expense before being considered for future aid. This applies to students who have not filed an appeal for reinstatement of aid. Students denied aid because of GPA must bring their averages to the required minimum to regain eligibility. Aid granted after reinstatement will be based on funds available at the time.

Appeal Procedure – Exceptional Circumstances
Students denied receipt of aid because of failure to make academic progress can appeal the decision by filing a petition. A written appeal outlining the reasons for failure to meet the standards, as well as appropriate documentation, will be required. It is helpful if you outline how your situation has changed and the steps you have taken to correct the situation. You may address the appeal to the Director of Financial Aid. The appeal will be presented to the Probation Committee.

For questions or more information, contact the Director of Financial Aid, at 800.589.1979, ext. 2234.

The above policy is based on Title IV Federal Regulation 668.16(e)(ii)(B) through (D).