Students receiving federal financial aid at Emerald Coast Technical College (ECTC) must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) toward completion of their program.

SAP is reviewed regularly and is based on the student's overall academic performance, attendance, and progress toward program completion.

Academic Requirements

Students must:

• Maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0.

• Successfully progress toward completion of their program.

• Meet attendance requirements established by ECTC and individual programs.

• Comply with program-specific standards contained in course syllabi and program handbooks.

Student Academic Progress Team

The Student Academic Progress Team consists of the Director, the student's instructor, the Student Services Dean, and the Financial Aid Officer. The team reviews student progress and determines whether continued enrollment is in the student's best interest based on attendance and academic performance.

Students may be subject to dismissal after receiving four SAP referrals.

Academic Probation

Students who fail to maintain satisfactory progress may be placed on academic probation for a minimum of one enrollment term. Students on probation may be required to meet specific conditions to continue enrollment and financial aid eligibility.

Appeals

Students experiencing extenuating circumstances may submit a written appeal with supporting documentation. Appeals are reviewed by the appropriate college personnel.

Repeat Coursework and Re-Entry

Students may receive one replacement grade within a program. Students who leave a program because of unsatisfactory academic progress may apply for re-entry in accordance with institutional and program requirements. Certain programs may have additional restrictions.

Students should refer to their program handbook and course syllabus for additional grading, attendance, and satisfactory academic progress requirements.

For questions regarding SAP, contact the Financial Aid Office.

• Students who fail to meet SAP standards for the first time will be placed on Financial Aid Warning for one payment period.

  • Students on Financial Aid Warning remain eligible to receive federal financial aid during the warning period.

  • SAP is re-evaluated at the end of the warning payment period.

Students who fail to meet SAP standards by the end of the Financial Aid Warning period will be placed on Financial Aid Suspension.

• Students on Financial Aid Suspension are not eligible to receive federal financial aid.

• Eligibility may be regained by meeting SAP standards or through an approved appeal.

Students are notified in writing of any change to their SAP status and financial aid eligibility.

Students placed on Financial Aid Suspension may submit a written SAP appeal if extenuating circumstances prevented them from meeting SAP standards.

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

• Serious illness or injury

• Death of an immediate family member

• Other documented circumstances beyond the student’s control

Appeals must include:

• A written explanation of the circumstances

• Supporting documentation

• A statement explaining how the issue has been resolved and how the student will meet SAP standards moving forward

Appeals are reviewed by the Financial Aid Office.

If a SAP appeal is approved, the student may be placed on Financial Aid Probation for one payment period.

• Students on Financial Aid Probation remain eligible for federal financial aid during the probationary period.

• An academic plan may be required to outline specific conditions the student must meet to regain SAP.

SAP is evaluated at the end of the probationary payment period.

Regaining Eligibility

Students may regain eligibility for federal financial aid by:

• Meeting all SAP standards without federal aid, or

• Successfully completing the requirements of an approved academic plan

Students are responsible for maintaining SAP and monitoring their progress throughout enrollment.

This SAP policy applies to all students receiving federal financial aid at Emerald Coast Technical College. SAP standards are applied consistently and in accordance with federal regulations.

For questions regarding SAP status, appeals, or eligibility, students should contact the Financial Aid Office.