Satisfactory Academic Progress
Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) is the standard you are measured by to determine if you are making progress towards completing your degree. If you do not meet SAP standards you may lose your financial aid eligibility. The United States Department of Education requires that financial aid students have their academic progress reviewed each academic year (fall, spring, and summer semesters) to determine if Satisfactory Academic Progress has been achieved.
Maintaining Satisfactory Academic Progress is required to maintain eligibility for grants, federal work-study, and student loans.
SAP Requirements:
- GPA- Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 for all attempts units at Gavilan College
- PACE: Must complete 67% of all classes you attempt at Gavilan College
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Attempted Coursework includes classes with grades of F, No Pass (NP), Emergency Withdrawal (EW), Withdrawals (w), No Credit (NC) and report Delayed (RD).
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Completed Coursework includes classes with grades of A,B,C,D, Credit (CR) and Pass (P).
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How is pace calculated?
Pace is calculated by dividing the number of units earned by the number of units attempted.
Example: Student attempted 12 units in the fall semester and successfully completed 8 units. To calculate term pace: Divide 8 (units completed) by 12 (units attempted). The student completed 66.67% of courses attempted, which is below 67%. The student was required to complete 8.5 units, which calculates a term pace of 70.83%.
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- At Gavilan College, an Associate’s Degree takes 60 units to complete. Therefore, the maximum number of units that a student may take in order to maintain their financial aid eligibility is 90 units (60 units multiplied by 150%). However, not all academic programs are 60 units in length, such as Certificates of Achievement and Specialist Technical Programs. The Maximum timeline is calculated specifically for each individual academic program.
Please see chart below for a clear visual presentation
Complete Educational Goal Within Maximum Timeframe
Financial Aid students are required to have an educational goal of a certificate, associate degree or transfer program to be awarded aid.
Completing educational goals in a reasonable amount of time is essential, given the lifetime limits of Pell Grant and limits on Subsidized Loans. Students who don’t complete their educational goals within the maximum timeframe are considered “over units” and not eligible for aid.
Students with extenuating circumstances may submit an Education Plan and Maximum Timeframe Appeal for consideration.
Please refer to important dates and deadlines: https://www.gavilan.edu/finaid/dates.php
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For More Information
Refer to the our Gavilan College SAP Policy: SAP Policy.Helpful Resources:
- Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Policy for Student:SAP Policy for Students
- Guidance on Possible Third-Party Documentation:Guidance-on-Possible-Third-Party-Documentation
- Tips on writing a successful Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Appeal:Tips on Writing a Successful Disqualified SAP Appeal
- Tips on writing a successful Max Time Frame Appeal (MTF) Appeal:Tips on Writing a Successful Max-Time Frame Appeal