Satisfactory Academic Progress

The following three (3) components are evaluated at the end of each semester (Fall, Spring & Summer):

STANDARD #1 - GPA (Grade Point Average)

• You must have a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0.

STANDARD #2 - Pace of Progression (Completion Rate)

• You must successfully complete a cumulative 67% (2/3) of all credits for which you attempt.
  
  • "Attempted" coursework includes all classes that appear on your official transcript. See specific on impacts of grades.
  • "Completed" coursework includes all classes with a passing grade. Credits that are dropped, failed, or incomplete will negatively impact your completion rate.

STANDARD #3 - Maximum Time Frame (MTF)

• You may not enroll for more than 150% of the number of credits needed to complete your degree objective. Transfer credits and prior degree credits are included in this evaluation.
  • Example – An Associate’s Degree (AA) is typically 60 units. A student must complete that AA degree within 150% of the published degree length (150% of 60 units = 90 units). 

Failure to meet one or more of the SAP standards may affect whether or not you can continue to receive your aid.

Evaluation of SAP takes place after EACH SEMESTER (Fall, Spring & Summer) and final grades have been posted.

Not meeting SAP means you are not eligible for financial aid without an approved appeal and financial aid is not retro-active if you choose not to appeal or your appeal is not approved before the semester deadline (listed below).

If you do not meet any one or more of the three SAP standards, you will be notified via MyCOD email and the notification will include details on why you didn't meet SAP and your options to move forward. No financial aid can be offered or disbursed to a student that has not met a component of SAP.

Note, some students may be automatically suspended based on their previous academic history (transferred or previous AA/AS/Certificate) as they have reached their maximum time frame allowed for an Associates or Certificate program.

If any financial aid was offered to you prior to the official SAP evaluation, the funds will NOT disburse until you have an approved SAP appeal (placed on Probation status).

If you do not meet SAP, you're given the opportunity to appeal the loss of financial aid by addressing the cause and issues with your academic progress as well as working with an counselor to create a Student Educational Plan (SEP) to make sure you see success in the future!

Starting Fall 2024, no lifetime limit on SAP Appeals. Students can appeal ONCE per semester.

If you have justifying circumstances that led you to not meeting minimum SAP standards, we would encourage you to appeal before the semester deadline (posted below).

Examples of justifying circumstances include, but are not limited to:

• Injury or illness, including, but not limited to, behavioral health conditions, of the student or a relative or other significant person
• Death of relative or other significant person
• Pregnancy or birth of a child
• Homelessness
• Loss of childcare
• Loss or change in employment 
• Loss of access to personal or public transportation
• Being a victim of a serious crime, including but not limited to, domestic abuse, even if the crime was not reported or did not result in criminal prosecution or civil liability
• Natural disaster
• Change in major  
• Personal difficulties
• Military Services

Steps to Appeal:

1. Request the SAP Appeal Form from the Financial Aid Office. Contact our office via phone, email or in-person if you would like to appeal.
   
   
2. Meet with a Counselor to discuss resources and create a Student Educational Plan (SEP) to guide your future academic success. You will submit a copy of your SEP with your SAP Appeal.
   
   
3. Submit the SAP Appeal Form and supporting Document(s) in your Self-service portal under financial aid.
   
   
4. We will notify you via MyCOD email of the results of your SAP appeal within 45 days from when the completed appeal was submitted to the Financial Aid Office.
   
   
5. If appeal APPROVED, the student will be placed on "Probation" status for the approved semester. Students on a probation status will be monitored at the end of each semester to ensure they are meeting the signed SAP appeal contract.
   • Failure to meet contract will result in automatic suspension status.
     
     
6. If appeal DENIED, students are allows to request a 2^nd Appeal review from the VP of Student Services. Those interested should email FAO@collegeofthedesert.edu (include your COD ID).

We encourage you to appeal, but if this is not the best time to appeal or you do not have any justifying circumstances, you have the following options:

1. Continue on Suspension for the remaining of the semester, OR
   
   • In some cases, students are eligible for the California College Promise Grant (CCPG), tuition waiver, unless you have been Academically Disqualified by Admissions & Records. If you lost CCPG eligibility, you can submit an CCPG Appeal with Admissions & Records.
     
     
2. Reinstate Your Aid by raising your cumulative GPA up to a 2.0 and/or a completion rate of 67% or higher (pace of progression).
   • Note: Students not meeting SAP due to Maximum Time Frame will need to have an APPROVED appeal to receive aid.
     

Note: Review your award letter to determine which aid is impacted by not meeting SAP. If you continue to enroll in classes while not meeting SAP, you are responsible for paying any expenses on your own.