The following polices are related to a student's eligibility for federal financial aid. These policies are separate from the academic standing policies set by the institution SAP Policy during Coursework enrollment: All students who apply for and receive financial aid must be making satisfactory academic progress toward completion of degree requirements. The Financial Aid Office will review academic records annually upon posting of the spring quarter grades to determine continued eligibility. Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 and complete a minimum number of units per academic period (refer to SAP brochure available in the Financial Aid Office for complete details). Students may not have more than two (2) incomplete, withdrawal, or failing grades in an academic year. Students who are not making SAP will be placed on financial aid probation. During the financial aid probationary period the student may receive financial aid. If the deficiencies are not resolved by the end of the probationary period, or if deficiencies exceed those identified, financial aid eligibility will be suspended until deficiencies are removed. If extenuating circumstances (such as prolonged illness or a death in the family) hindered academic performance students have the right to appeal suspension in writing to the Financial Aid Director. Complete information on SAP is provided to each financial aid recipient. SAP Policy during Thesis phase of the Counseling Program: If you are enrolling in the thesis writing phase of the Counseling program you may be eligible for the Federal Stafford Loan program. You must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) be in good academic standing for continued eligibility. If you are eligible, we will award financial aid for first quarter of the thesis period enrollment. Students are not eligible for aid beyond the first quart of thesis enrollment. SAP Policy during Dissertation phase of the PhD programs: If you are enrolling in the dissertation phase of the PhD program, you may be eligible for the Federal Stafford Loan program. You must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form each year. Federal regulations require all financial aid recipients to maintain satisfactory academic progress toward completion of degree requirements for continued eligibility. All eligible financial aid recipients entering the dissertation phase of the program will be awarded Stafford Loans on a borrower-based academic year. In other words, from the time the two-year clock begins, the financial aid will cover four consecutive quarters. For example: dissertation start date January 1 (winter) – financial aid will cover four consecutive quarters (winter, spring, summer, fall). Upon completion of the first four (4) quarters of the two-year dissertation clock, the financial aid office will confirm your active participation in the dissertation process. Active participation is defined as the submission of written materials beyond the initial concept paper and on-going consultation with your dissertation committee. Once active participation is confirmed, you may be eligible for additional Stafford Loans during the second year of the two-year clock. Please be aware that all pending financial aid will be canceled once the final draft of your dissertation is approved. If you find that additional time beyond the two-year clock is necessary for completion of the dissertation, you must enroll in the extended one-year clock. To remain eligible for additional Stafford Loans, the coordinator or chair of the dissertation committee must approve your proposal and submit your approval form to the dissertation office. Proposal requirements are defined by each program and are included in your dissertation handbook. It is your responsibility to stay in contact with your committee and to follow-up on the progress of your proposal approval. Please be aware that all pending financial aid will be canceled once the final draft of your dissertation is approved. Summary of Dissertation Satisfactory Academic Progress Requirements: Federal Financial Aid Eligibility Requirements - First year of initial two-year clock: Successful completion of coursework requirements as defined by SAP policy for coursework requirements.
- Second year of initial two-year clock: Continued financial aid eligibility requires confirmed submission of written materials beyond the initial concept paper and on-going consultation with dissertation committee.
- Third year or Extended one-year clock: After completion of two-year clock, continued financial aid eligibility requires committee approval of the dissertation proposal.
- Federal financial aid is not available beyond the extended one-year clock: Please be aware that all pending financial aid will be canceled once the final draft of your dissertation is approved.
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