Student Services A-Z
Federal regulations require that a student receiving federal financial aid make satisfactory academic progress in accordance with the standards set by CVCC and the federal government. These limitations include all terms of enrollment, whether or not aid was awarded or received. At Central Virginia Community College (CVCC), Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards apply also to non-federal aid, including state funds, institutional funds and foundation scholarships. Progress is measured throughout the academic program by the student’s cumulative grade point average (Qualitative). In addition, students must complete their programs of study before attempting 150% of the credits required to complete the program. The College Financial Aid Office will evaluate satisfactory academic progress after each term. Some career studies certificate programs are ineligible for student financial aid, but those credits will be counted toward SAP requirements if the student later enrolls in an eligible program.
Cumulative GPA Requirements (GPA Rule): In order to remain eligible for financial aid consideration, students must meet minimum cumulative grade point average requirements based on a progressive scale. Only courses with grades of A, B, C, D, and F are included in this calculation. In order to graduate, a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0 is required.
Total Number of Credits Attempted
GPA Requirement
Students who do not meet the credit progression requirement (Quantitative) and/or cumulative grade point average requirements (Qualitative) will be immediately ineligible for financial aid. Removal from financial aid does not prevent students from enrolling without financial aid if they are otherwise eligible to continue their enrollment.
Unless extenuating circumstances exist and an appeal is granted, a student in financial aid suspension should expect to continue classes at his or her own expense until satisfactory academic progress requirements are again met.
Under certain circumstances, students who fail to meet SAP standards and lose eligibility for financial aid can appeal the financial aid suspension. Students must clearly state what caused the suspension and must also clearly indicate what has changed that will now allow the student to succeed. Appeals are encouraged if:
Only complete appeal submissions, with documentation, will be evaluated by the Financial Aid Appeals Committee. The decision of the committee is final. Depending on the circumstances, the student could be required to complete additional requirements (e.g., see a career counselor or another type of counselor, meet with an advisor to develop an academic plan for completion, limit enrollment, etc.) before an appeal is granted. The goal is to help the student get back on track for graduation. The reasonableness of the student’s ability for improvement to again meet SAP standards and complete the student’s program of study will be carefully considered. Appeals will be approved or denied. Students who have appeals approved will be in probationary status for the coming term. During probationary status, all attempted credits must be successfully completed with at least C grades, or the student will return to suspension. If an academic plan has been pre-approved by financial aid, continuing to meet the requirements of that plan will put the student back into good standing.
Students who fail to meet these Satisfactory Academic Progress Standards and who choose to enroll without benefit of student financial aid may request a review of their academic records after any term in which they are enrolled without the receipt of financial aid to determine whether they have again met satisfactory academic progress standards. If the standards are met, eligibility is regained for subsequent terms of enrollment in the academic year. Students should consult their campus financial aid advisors for assistance in appealing any element of this policy or to determine how to regain eligibility for financial aid.