satisfactory academic progress

Satisfactory academic progress is defined as progressing in a positive manner towards fulfilling the requirements of a degree program. There are two components to measure academic progress. The first is a qualitative measure by use of the cumulative grade point average (GPA); the second is the quantitative measurement that is determined by the number of credits successfully completed.

Qualitative Requirements (GPA)

A student is required to maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 for courses taken at the College of Visual Arts. Letter grades of A through F are included in the cumulative GPA. Grades of I (Incomplete), S (Passing), U (Not passing), Au (Audit) and W (Withdrawal) do not carry a numerical value and do not affect the GPA. If a course is repeated, the second grade is used in calculating the cumulative GPA. Determination as to whether a student meets the qualitative requirements will first be made at the end of the spring semester in the student's second academic year and will be assessed at the end of each academic year thereafter.

Qualitative Requirements
(Course Completion Rate)

A student is expected to earn his or her degree within 150 percent of the published length of the program (maximum six years). In order to meet this requirement, a student must successfully complete at least 67 percent of attempted credits each term. This will be calculated by dividing the cumulative credits earned by the cumulative credits attempted. Accepted transfer credits are included in the calculation of a student's course completion rate. Determination as to whether a student meets the quantitative requirements will first be made at the end of the spring semester in the student's first academic year and will be assessed at the end of each academic year thereafter. Full-time enrollment for financial aid purposes is 12 or more credits per term. Please note that 15 credits per semester is considered full-time enrollment for the Minnesota State Grant Program.

Academic Progress Review

Satisfactory academic progress is evaluated at the end of each academic year, after spring semester grades have been posted. A student who fails to meet the progress standard will be notified in writing no later than 4 weeks after the progress review. In determining Satisfactory Progress, the Financial Aid Office defines completed credit hour and cumulative GPA in the same manner as the Registrar's Office. Students should refer to the Registrar's section of the catalog for clarification on these items.

Financial Aid Suspension

A student who does not achieve the necessary requirements for satisfactory academic progress is placed on financial aid suspension and will lose eligibility for financial aid. A student may regain eligibility for assistance after demonstrating the ability to maintain the standards of this policy. A student who exceeds the maximum published length of the program (six years) is placed on financial aid suspension.

Financial Aid Appeal Process

A student who fails to maintain satisfactory academic progress and is suspended from financial assistance has the opportunity to appeal based upon unusual or extenuating circumstances beyond the student's control. A student must submit a written appeal and supporting documentation to the Director of Financial Aid within 30 days of notification of financial aid suspension. The Financial Aid Committee will review all financial aid appeal requests and will provide a written decision to the student within 10 business days upon receipt of the request. The student may file a written appeal of the decision of the Financial Aid Committee with the Vice President of the College of Visual Arts. This appeal must be submitted ot he Vice President wintin 10 business days after he decision of the Financial Aid Committee. The Vice President will provide a written decision ot the student within 10 business days after the receipt of the appeal. All decisions made at this stage of the appeal process are final.