Satisfactory Academic Progress Standards
You will be evaluated at the end of every term for satisfactory academic progress according to both a qualitative and quantitative standard.
Maximum Time Frame
If you are enrolled in an undergraduate program, you may not attempt more than 150 percent of the published program length, as measured in credit hours. For example, if a program requires successful completion of 90 credit hours, you may not attempt more than 135 credits (90 x 1.5). Credit awarded for prior learning will affect the maximum time frame (see below).
If you are enrolled in a graduate program, you must complete the program in a 200 percent time frame.
You will be immediately dismissed if the Office of the Registrar determines that it is ultimately impossible for you to complete all program requirements within the maximum time frame.
Evaluation Schedule
As a degree-seeking student, you will be evaluated at the end of every term for satisfactory academic progress according to both a qualitative and quantitative standard. Note that for 6-week classes, a term comprises two sequential 6-week sessions. Terms are equal to payment periods for financial aid purposes. The qualitative standard is defined as a minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) equal to the CGPA required for graduation. The quantitative standard is calculated by dividing the cumulative number of credits you have successfully completed by the cumulative number of credits you have attempted and is expressed as a percentage.
| Degree | Minimum CGPA | Minimum Pace of Completion |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | 2.0 | 66.6% |
| Associate's/Bachelor's-Level Nursing | 2.5 | 66.6% |
| Graduate | 3.0 | 50.0% |
If you do not meet the satisfactory academic progress standards, you could lose your eligibility for federal, state, or other financial aid resources. Financial aid recipients should refer to the Academic Eligibility for Financial Aid section.
Academic Probation and Dismissal
Academic Probation
If you do not meet all satisfactory academic progress standards at the end of any given term, you will be placed on academic probation and notified of the status change. In addition, you are strongly encouraged to consult with your Student Advisor and employ resources to regain good academic standing.
At the end of the probation term, unless you have an approved satisfactory academic progress appeal on file, you will be dismissed from the University if you are unable to regain good academic standing by meeting all satisfactory academic progress standards.
Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeals
The University may determine you are making academic progress, even if you do not meet the satisfactory academic progress standards, if the University determines that your failure to meet those standards was due to unforeseeable, extenuating circumstances, including the death of a relative, illness, or injury, or other special circumstances.
If you are placed on academic probation, you may submit an appeal to be placed on final academic probation (see below). The written appeal should explain the extenuating circumstances that caused your inability to meet the satisfactory academic progress standards and explain the corrective actions you have taken to ensure academic success if the appeal is granted. You may begin the appeal process during the period of academic probation and are encouraged to include supporting documentation that could have a bearing on the University's decision.
Satisfactory academic progress appeals will be reviewed by the Academic Dean's Office, and you will be notified of the decision.
Final Academic Probation
If you do not meet the satisfactory academic progress standards at the end of the probation term, but are able to meet the minimum graduation requirements within the maximum time frame and have an approved satisfactory academic progress appeal on file, you will be placed on final academic probation. You will be notified of the status change if you are placed on final academic probation.
The University will make a determination to place you on final academic probation for a payment period or create a customized academic plan that will define the academic standards you must meet in order to comply with the satisfactory academic progress standards by a specific point in time.
Academic Dismissal
You will be academically dismissed from the University if:
- You are placed on academic probation and are not approved to continue through the satisfactory academic progress appeals process, and/or
- You are placed on final probation and either do not make satisfactory academic progress by the end of the term or do not meet the terms of your academic plan.
Grades Affecting Academic Progress
All credit hours attempted toward your current program of study will be considered when evaluating academic progress. Course withdrawals and repeated courses will be considered credit attempts for which no credit is earned. If an incomplete grade is granted, the course will be considered a credit attempt for which no credit is earned and will be incorporated in future cumulative GPAs after a final grade is assigned. Developmental courses, audited courses, and military withdrawals will not affect satisfactory academic progress.
Any credits awarded for prior learning (“TC,” “CC,” and “EC”) will be included in the pace of completion and maximum time frame calculations as both credits earned and credits attempted. If you are reentering or changing to a different program, only courses applicable to the new program will be considered when assessing academic progress.