What happened -what has changed
Your satisfactory academic progress (SAP) appeal explanation mustinclude the following:
Explain what happened Whywere you unable to maintain satisfactory progress? |
Explain what has changed Whatcorrective measureshave you taken or will you take to achieve and maintain satisfactory academic progress? |
Ifthis not your first appeal:
- Your explanation statement must include information about what has changed since your last appeal.
- You mustalso attach a Student Improvement Plan signed by your advisor.
Tips for writing your appeal explanation statement
Admit the problem
Take a hard look at your situation to determine what has kept you from making satisfactory academic progress.Perhaps you need help with time management or study skills. Admit the problem and explain how will you get that help.
Note:Lack of awareness of withdrawal policies, requirements for satisfactory academic progressor unpreparedness for college courseworkwill not be accepted as reasons for the purpose of an appeal.
Attach any relevant supporting documentation
- This may include a doctor's statement, copy of hospital/urgent care/physician's bill, obituary, funeral noticeor death certificate.
Valid reasons for an SAP appeal
Valid reasons for an appeal include:
- medical emergencies
- severe health issues
- severe personal or family problems
- financial or personal catastrophe
- return for a second degree or certificate
Example of a valid explanation statement:
SAP Appeal Explanation Statement |
| What happened: I was involved in a car accident on October 2, 2023. I was in the hospital for two weeks because of a broken leg. Then I needed to have physical therapy every day for six weeks. This interfered with my ability to attend classes on a regular basis. I was unable to complete the fall2023semester and this affected my academic progress. What has changed: My leg has healed and I feel confident that I am able to continue my coursework and improve my academic progress. I intend to register and repeat the coursework in the classes that I failed. I will also take the workshop offered thru the Academic Success Center called Second Chances: Success in the Repeated Course. I will also use the assignment planner on the library website to help me stay on track. Atached is documentation verifying my accident: - A note from my doctor showing that I was under his care during the above time. The note also shows that my doctor released me to return to school on January l, 2024.
- A copy of my hospital bill showing the dates of my stay.
- A Statement from my physical therapist indicating my therapy schedule.
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Important notes
- Your appeal must be backed up by a degree worksheet or degree audit and an academic plan of work.
- You must also be able to show through yourGPA calculation results that meeting SAP standards and graduating from your program is an attainable goal.
For instructions and information about formulating a plan of work, degree audit or utilizing the GPA calculator, visit the Degree Works website.
Please note: The Office of Student Financial Aid is required to report incidents of sexual violence or sexual harassment disclosed through this form to the Title IX Coordinator for follow-up and possible investigation.If you have experienced any form of sexual violence and would like to speak confidentially to a counselor for support, please contact Counseling and Psychological Services.
FAQs
Valid reasons for an appeal include:
- medical emergencies.
- severe health issues.
- severe personal or family problems.
- financial or personal catastrophe.
- return for a second degree or certificate.
The approval rate of SAP (Satisfactory Academic Progress) appeals varies depending on the specific circ*mstances of the student and the policies of the institution. Generally, appeals that are well-written and supported by appropriate documentation have a higher chance of being approved.
How do you write a successful appeal? ›
What to include in an appeal letter
- Your professional contact information.
- A summary of the situation you're appealing.
- An explanation of why you feel the decision was incorrect.
- A request for the preferred solution you'd like to see enacted.
- Gratitude for considering your appeal.
- Supporting documents attached, if relevant.
How to Submit a SAP Appeal. Write a detailed letter describing the extenuating circ*mstances that prevented you from meeting the SAP standards for GPA, Pace and/or Maximum Credits. Describe in detail how the situation has been resolved. Attach your letter to the SAP appeal form for GPA/Pace or Max Time Frame.
What not to say in an appeal letter? ›
Don't clutter your letter with information or requests that have no essential connection to the main message. Threatening, cajoling, begging, pleading, flattery and making extravagant promises are manipulative and usually ineffective methods.
Why would a SAP appeal be denied? ›
If a student does not submit documentation to support their appeal for all periods of deficiency, their appeal is subject to being denied. Submission of an appeal does not guarantee reinstatement.
Is mental health a good reason for SAP appeal? ›
For example, a decline in performance can be caused by psychiatric, psychological and social problems and not just physical injury. Even a learning disability, such as ADD/ADHD, can be the basis for a successful appeal, if it is severe enough to have caused the academic problems and is being treated medically.
What is good documentation for SAP appeal? ›
What kinds of supporting documentation should I submit for Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)?
- Medical records.
- Police records.
- Signed letter on official letterhead from a therapist, counselor, member of religious organization, or other person with professional relationship to student who was aware of circ*mstance.
To meet SAP requirements, you must successfully complete no less than 67 percent of your total attempted credit hours.
What is the key to a successful appeal? ›
For many appeals, success hinges on identifying and arguing the correct standard of review from the outset. This means that before filing a notice of appeal, you should determine the most advantageous standard for your case. Most appellate reversals happen on points of law reviewed under a de novo standard.
Examples of appeal in a Sentence
The mayor made an appeal to the people of the city to stay calm. We made a donation during the school's annual appeal. She helped to organize an appeal on behalf of the homeless. My lawyer said the court's decision wasn't correct and that we should file for an appeal.
What are the chances of a successful appeal? ›
The answer depends entirely on the specific circ*mstances of your case. That being said, the state and federal data show that the overall success rate is between 7% and 20%.
What to say on a SAP appeal? ›
First Paragraph: Describe what happened that prevented you from meeting SAP. Example: I am writing to help explain why I was unable to meet the conditions outlined in my first SAP appeal. I was involved in a car accident in early November and severely broke my right arm.
How long do SAP appeals take? ›
Appeal Time Frame and Notification
SAP appeals are typically reviewed within three to four weeks from the time a complete appeal is submitted. After an appeal has been reviewed, the student will be notified by email of the final decision.
Can I do a SAP appeal twice? ›
Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeal
All students have the right to appeal the suspension of their financial aid if there were mitigating circ*mstances that caused failure to meet SAP standards. Students may appeal twice for each academic degree.
What are reasons to be placed on SAP? ›
You will be placed on financial aid SAP warning for one term if you fail to meet the required cumulative GPA and/or overall cumulative completed credits percentage standards. While on warning, you may still receive financial aid.
What are good reasons to request for reconsideration? ›
A clerical mistake or a misunderstanding about your qualifications are good reasons to request a reconsideration. State the facts: You can write to someone who you believe can help reconsider your case, but they may not be familiar with the circ*mstances before you reach out to them.
