Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy
In accordance with federal financial aid regulations, Shasta College evaluates Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) for all students who have applied for financial aid.
Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Standards
SAP measures your academic progress toward completing your program of study. To remain eligible for financial aid, you must meet all three SAP standards each semester:
- The following grades count toward your financial aid GPA: A, B, C, D, F, FW.
- Grade Point Values: A= 4.0, B = 3.0, C = 2.0, D = 1.0, F = 0, FW = 0.
- Repeated coursework: If you retake a course the newest letter grade will be used to calculate your GPA. The previous attempt will not be included in the GPA calculation.
- Transfer coursework: Transfer coursework taken at another college is not included in the GPA calculation.
- The following grades count as an attempt: A, B, C, CR, D, EW, F, FW, IP, NP, W.
- Grades that are considered incomplete are: EW (Excused Withdrawal), F, FW (Failure to Withdraw), NP (Not Passed), W (Withdrawal).
- Calculation: Completed Units ÷ Attempted units = Pace
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Example: |
- All attempted coursework is counted toward the maximum timeframe, even if you did not complete the course.
- Up to 30 units of remedial or English as a Second Language (ESL) coursework are excluded from this calculation.
- The maximum unit count is based on your largest academic program. For example, if you are pursuing both an associate degree and a certificate, the associate degree will be used to determine your maximum timeframe.
- If you change your academic program to one with a higher unit requirement, these changes will increase your maximum timeframe the following semester.
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Example: Most associate degrees require 60 units to graduate.150% of 60 = 90 units. This means a student in a 60-unit program may receive financial aid as long as they have attempted fewer than 90 units.
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SAP Status and Notifications
Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) is evaluated at the end of each term (Summer, Fall, and Spring). Students are notified of their SAP status through their student email and can also view it in MyShasta under the financial aid section.
All terms and course attempts count towards SAP, even if financial aid was not received. While the Financial Aid Office makes every effort to send timely notifications, students are ultimately responsible for monitoring their academic progress and understanding how it affects their eligibility.
SAP Appeals
If you become ineligible for financial aid because you did not meet SAP standards, you have the right to appeal. Appeals are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and approval is not guaranteed.
To qualify for an appeal, you must have experienced extenuating circumstances that affected your performance such as illness, emergency, or other situations beyond your control.
Approved appeals will result in placement on an Academic Plan or an Extension of units.
- Academic Plan: allows up to four terms to raise your cumulative GPA/Pace to meet SAP standards.
- Extension of Units: allows you to complete your remaining courses based on a counselor approved educational plan.
You must meet all SAP requirements each term while on an academic plan. Failure to meet the terms of your plan will result in the loss of financial aid eligibility.
To submit your SAP Appeal:
- Log in to Student Forms
- Select “Manage Requests”
- Choose “SAP Appeal"
| SAP Status & Notifications | |
|---|---|
| New Student (N) | You have no previously attempted units and are in good standing. |
| Satisfactory (S) | You are meeting all SAP standards and remain eligible for financial aid. |
| Warning – GPA (WGP) | You are not meeting the minimum cumulative 2.0 GPA requirement. You remain eligible for financial aid during your warning term. If your cumulative GPA does not meet the minimum after that term, you will become ineligible until you meet SAP standards. |
| Warning – PACE (WGA) | You are not meeting the minimum cumulative 67% Pace requirement. You remain eligible for financial aid during your warning term. If your cumulative Pace does not meet the minimum after that term, you will become ineligible until you meet SAP standards. |
| Max Timeframe Warning (MXW) | You are approaching the maximum number of units allowed for your major. You can receive financial aid until you reach 150% of the units required for your major. You are eligible for financial aid during a warning term. |
| Ineligible – GPA (DGP) | You did not meet the minimum cumulative 2.0 GPA after a warning term. You are ineligible for financial aid until you meet the minimum SAP requirements. |
| Ineligible – Pace (DGP) | You did not meet the minimum cumulative 67% Pace after a warning term. You are ineligible for financial aid until you meet the minimum SAP requirements. |
| Maximum Timeframe (MX) | You have reached the 150% limit of attempted units for your program and are no longer eligible for financial aid. |
| Academic Plan (AP1-AP4) | Your SAP appeal was approved, and you are on an Academic Plan. The number shows how many terms you have been on the plan (AP2 = 2nd term). You must meet SAP each term. You may remain on the academic plan for up to 4 terms (AP4). After that the plan is considered exhausted. |
| AMX – Extension of Units (AMX) | Your appeal to extend your maximum timeframe was approved. You are eligible for aid for the specific terms listed on your counselor approved educational plan. |
| Breached Contract (TRM) | You did not meet the terms of your contract, or you completed AP4 without reaching SAP standards. You are ineligible for financial aid. |
| Completed Extension (CEX) | You have completed your extension of units. You are ineligible for financial aid. |
| Unable to Calculate (X) | Due to a technical error, we are unable to calculate your SAP status. Please contact the financial aid office to resolve this. |
Contact Us
If you have any questions about your SAP status or Shasta College’s SAP Policy and Procedures, contact the Financial Aid Office:
(530) 242-7650
financialaid@shastacollege.edu.