Academic Standards

Satisfactory Academic Progress

Purpose

Federal regulations require institutions of higher education to establish minimum standards of satisfactory progress for students receiving financial aid. Students are expected to achieve certain minimum levels of progress toward the successful academic completion of course requirements for a degree, certificate, or diploma. Progress is measured both qualitatively and quantitatively. To ensure that a student is making sufficient progress throughout their course of study, a maximum timeframe divided into increments is required.  At the end of each increment (semester) an institution must determine whether the student has successfully completed a minimum percentage of work toward his or her educational objective degree, or certificate for all increments completed.

This policy applies to those students applying for or receiving federal and state funds. To reasonably measure a student's satisfactory academic progress toward completion of his/her degree, certificate, or diploma, the student's total academic record will be evaluated regardless of whether or not they had received financial aid in the past. As a recipient of federal or state financial aid, students have certain rights and responsibilities. Failure to fulfill any part of the agreement, as described, may result in the cancellation of a student's award and the student may be responsible for repaying any received funds.

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Procedures

To be eligible for financial aid, students must meet the following minimum guidelines:

Qualitative Standard—Must not be suspended according to the College's academic suspension procedure. Maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least a 2.0 each semester as computed by the Financial Aid Office-this may be different than your transcript GPA

Quantitative Standard—Complete a minimum of 67% of cumulative credit hours attempted each semester (if the student has attempted 50 credit hours, the student must earn credit for at least 33 hours). The number of hours attempted is defined as the total cumulative number of credit hours for which the student enrolled at the general 10% point of each term. The total number of credit hours earned is defined as the total cumulative number of credit hours from each term at CPCC for which the student received a passing grade as noted on the student's academic transcript.

Maximum Time Frame—Must complete program of study in a timeframe not to exceed 150 percent of the published length of the program for full-time students. This will be measured in credit hours (if the academic program length requires 60 credit hours, maximum timeframe cannot exceed 90 hours attempted). Transfer credit hours accepted from other institutions and evaluated in the student's current program of study are included in the calculation of maximum timeframe.

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Monitoring

The Financial Aid office will monitor satisfactory academic progress for all students receiving or applying for federal or state aid to ensure that they are making progress toward program completion. All programs will be reviewed for satisfactory academic progress at the end of each semester.

In order to measure a student's satisfactory progress toward a degree, diploma, or certificate requirements, the student's total academic record at Central Piedmont Community College will be evaluated whether or not the student received financial aid for the entire time of enrollment.

Special Notes:

Cumulative Credit Hours Attempted—Cumulative credit hours attempted are defined as all credit hours attempted at CPCC, and all credit hours transferred from other institutions. Attempted credits include courses with grades of "A" through "F", "W", "I/A", "I/B", "I/C", "I/D", "I/F" or "I".

Repeated Courses—will be counted as hours attempted and also toward maximum credits allowable for each type of program for financial aid.

Cumulative Credit Hours Completed—Credit hours successfully completed are defined as grades "A" through "D", "I/A", "I/B", "I/C", "I/D", "I/F". Credit hours not successfully completed are defined as "F", "W."

Audited Courses—Credit hours taken for a grade of "audit" do not apply toward an associate degree, diploma, or certificate program. Therefore, credit hours with this designation are not included in determining enrollment status for financial aid or satisfactory academic progress.

Students with changes grade type of an "audit" (AU) after the disbursement of financial aid will be reviewed for an enrollment status change. This change may result in a reduction of financial aid eligibility and a balance owed to the college.

Incomplete Grades—Courses with grades of "I" (Incomplete) will be considered as credit hours attempted and not completed. Student who have made arrangements with the instructor to complete required course work are not required to re-register for the same class during a subsequent semester to complete the work. Any course carried forward to the next semester for completion will not be counted as part of the new semester enrollment status. If the "incomplete" grade resulted in a student being placed on financial aid probation or suspension, once completed, the student may appeal for a re-evaluation of Satisfactory Academic Progress by submitting the Satisfactory Academic Progress appeal form to the Financial Aid office at CPCC. Should the grade become final before the review, the actual grade, credits attempted, and credits earned will be used to determine if the student is making satisfactory progress.

Cumulative Grade Point Average - A student's cumulative grade point average must meet the minimum standards of the institution according to their degree intentions. The minimum cumulative grade point average for graduation at CPCC is 2.0.

Course Withdrawals – Students who withdraw from classes officially or unofficially should understand how withdraws affect their eligibility for financial aid as determined by this Satisfactory Academic Progress procedure. A “Withdrawal” will count as attempted, not completed, and will not count in the GPA calculation. Financial Aid recipients should discuss their possibility of withdrawing with a Financial Aid Officer before doing so.

Reducing enrollment during any semester can create serious consequences for financial aid recipients:

  • Satisfactory Academic Progress may be affected;
  • In cases of complete withdrawals, students may be required to repay a percentage of financial aid received for that semester. (See Return of Title IV Funds).

Dropping Classes

Your final eligibility for aid will be based on the number of hours for which you are enrolled at the 10% point of the semester. If you register and then drop class(es) prior to that date, your eligibility for aid will be RECALCULATED on your remaining hours as of the 10% point of the semester. Students who receive a financial aid payment based on more hours than those remaining as of the 10% point of the semester may be responsible for repaying a portion of any financial aid received. Dropping classes may affect your eligibility for future aid. You should consult the Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy to determine if dropping classes will affect your eligibility for aid.

Total Withdrawal from School

If you register and then totally withdraw from all classes, your eligibility for aid will be RECALCULATED based on the number of days you attended class. If you withdraw on or after the first class day, you may have to repay a portion of any cash financial aid received. See Return of Title IV Funds below. If you totally withdraw, you should consult the definition of Satisfactory Academic Progress to determine if your withdrawal will affect your eligibility for future aid.

Return of Title IV Funds

The Higher Education Amendments of 1998 changed the formula for calculating the amount of aid a student and school can retain when the student totally withdraws from all classes. Students who withdraw from all classes prior to completing 60% of the semester will have their eligibility for aid recalculated based on the percent of the semester completed. For example, a student who withdraws completing only 30% of the term will have "earned" only 30% of any Title IV aid received. The remaining 70% must be returned by the school and/or the student. The Financial Aid Office encourages you to read a complete copy of this policy carefully. If you are thinking about withdrawing from all classes PRIOR to completing 60% of the semester, you should contact the Financial Aid Office to see how your withdrawal will affect your financial aid. For more information on the Return to Title IV policy, please click here.

Dropping Classes

Your final eligibility for aid will be based on the number of hours for which you are enrolled at the 10% point of the semester. If you register and then drop class(es) prior to that date, your eligibility for aid will be RECALCULATED on your remaining hours as of the 10% point of the semester. Students who receive a financial aid payment based on more hours than those remaining as of the 10% point of the semester may be responsible for repaying a portion of any financial aid received. Dropping classes may affect your eligibility for future aid. You should consult the Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy to determine if dropping classes will affect your eligibility for aid.

Total Withdrawal from School

If you register and then totally withdraw from all classes, your eligibility for aid will be RECALCULATED based on the number of days you attended class. If you withdraw on or after the first class day, you may have to repay a portion of any cash financial aid received. See Return of Title IV Funds below. If you totally withdraw, you should consult the definition of Satisfactory Academic Progress to determine if your withdrawal will affect your eligibility for future aid.

Return of Title IV Funds

The Higher Education Amendments of 1998 changed the formula for calculating the amount of aid a student and school can retain when the student totally withdraws from all classes. Students who withdraw from all classes prior to completing 60% of the semester will have their eligibility for aid recalculated based on the percent of the semester completed. For example, a student who withdraws completing only 30% of the term will have "earned" only 30% of any Title IV aid received. The remaining 70% must be returned by the school and/or the student. The Financial Aid Office encourages you to read a complete copy of this policy carefully. If you are thinking about withdrawing from all classes PRIOR to completing 60% of the semester, you should contact the Financial Aid Office to see how your withdrawal will affect your financial aid.

Developmental Studies Standards of Progress—Financial aid recipients may take a maximum of 30 credit hours in developmental coursework. Developmental courses (designated by course numbers below 100, MAT 050) are included in the calculation of satisfactory academic progress. Students enrolled in developmental courses must receive grades of A, B, or C to remain in good standing.

English as a Second Language—If a student enrolls in ESL coursework while enrolled in an eligible program of study, he/she may also receive FSA program funds. In this case, ESL courses are treated as remedial (developmental) coursework and will not count towards the student's 150% timeframe.

Developmental hours in excess of total semester credit hours cannot be counted towards enrollment status for federal and state grants or for the cost of attendance for any campus-based programs or loan programs.

Transfer students—All transfer students will be considered to be making satisfactory progress based on the number of credit hours accepted toward their current program of study.

Change of Majors—Students who change their major are still responsible for maintaining satisfactory academic progress in accordance with the procedures as outlined. A review of satisfactory academic progress will be based on the student's current program of study. A student changing from an associate program into a diploma or certificate program may lose federal and state eligibility immediately upon making the change.

Summer Session—Credit hours attempted and earned during the summer session are included in the calculation of Satisfactory Academic Progress. Full-time status is the same for summer session as it is for the fall and spring semesters (12 credit hours).

IT IS ALWAYS IN THE BEST INTEREST OF THE STUDENT TO CONTACT THE FINANCIAL AID OFFICE BEFORE CHANGING PROGRAMS AND/OR WITHDRAWING FROM ANY COURSES

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Warning, Suspension & Probation on an Appeal

Warning

Following the first term of failure to maintain cumulative satisfactory academic progress, a student will be granted one term to regain satisfactory academic progress. The term is known as the "Warning" term. Financial aid may be received during this Warning term.

Suspension

If the student is able to regain satisfactory academic progress with the courses completed successfully during his/her probationary term, the probation is lifted. If the student does not regain satisfactory academic progress, the student is placed on "SUSPENSION" and is no longer eligible for financial aid at CPCC until their cumulative progress is again satisfactory.

After Suspension

Other than when an appeal is granted for unusual or mitigating circumstances, a student can reestablish eligibility only by taking action that brings the student in compliance with the qualitative and quantitative components of the Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress Standards including the maximum timeframe.

It is the student's responsibility to be aware of his/her Satisfactory Academic Progress for financial aid eligibility. Each student is notified, via their CPCC email account when placed on Warning or Suspension. If the student takes the necessary action that brings the student in compliance with the qualitative and quantitative components of the Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress Standards, the Federal Pell Grant and other types of financial assistance (depending on availability of funds) are reinstated at the beginning of the next term of attendance, if otherwise eligible. Whether approved by the Financial Aid Appeals Committee or approved after one semester of satisfactory progress, the student’s status upon reinstatement will be Probation.

Probation on an Appeal

When a student has been reinstated by an approved appeal by the Financial Aid Appeals Committee, the student will be placed on Probation on Appeal.

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Appeals

A student may appeal the termination of financial aid by obtaining an appeal form online at www.cpcc.edu/financial_aid/forms and indicating in writing: a) reasons why he or she did not achieve minimum standards, b) reasons why his or her eligibility should not be terminated, but reinstated.

To initiate a financial aid appeal, the student must complete a Financial Aid Appeals form, print their transcript Evaluation and submit it along with required supporting documentation. In addition, the appeal must explain and document that the situation has been resolved. Appeals will be considered for circumstances that were out of the ordinary or out of your control. These may include:

  1. Extended student/family illness or injury
  2. Death of a relative
  3. Change of degree program

Appeals will be reviewed and the approval or denial notice will be sent to the student's CPCC email address. If the appeal is denied, the student will be notified of how many credit hours he/she will need to complete in order to regain satisfactory academic progress (or graduate in the case of a maximum timeframe appeal). To successfully complete these credit hours, you must earn a 2.0 GPA each term and have no Withdrawals, Incompletes of F grades each term until you regain satisfactory academic progress or graduate, whichever come first.

Note: Students participating in the Federal Work-Study program and are suspended from financial aid, cannot continue working until satisfactory academic progress is re-established.

Reviewing Your Appeal

An Appeal Committee will review a student's appeal and documentation to determine if the student's financial aid eligibility should be reinstated. The Financial Aid Office will contact the student through their CPCC email account with the decision once it has been made. Student may also reveiw their satisfactory academic status on thier MyCollege account.

Deadlines

Summer 2012          Friday, May 11, 2012
Fall 2012                 Monday, August 6, 2012
Spring 2013             Friday, December 20, 2012
Summer 2013          Friday, May 10, 2013

Appeals submitted after this timeframe will be reviewed for the following semester.

Satisfactory Academic Progress Workshops

Students interested in learning more about the Satisfactory Academic progress should contact the Financial Aid/VA Office. Please come by the Financial Aid office or call (704) 330-6942 to sign up. NOTE: Workshops schedule TBA...

What You Need to Know About the Appeal Process - Satisfactory Academic Program (SAP) 
Appeal of Financial Aid Ineligibility

Your appeal and essential supporting documents must reach the Financial Aid/VA Office by the deadline of that particular semester.  If we do not receive your appeal and supporting documents within this time limit, your appeal will be reviewed within the next six weeks.  We will consider accepting late appeals where there are exceptional circumstances for late submission.  Reasons for late submission must be documented at the time of submission.

An ineligible student may appeal by indicating in writing to the Financial Aid Appeal Committee (a) reasons why he or she did not achieve minimum academic standards, and (b) reasons why his or her aid eligibility should not be terminated, but reinstated. Each appeal will be considered on its merit. Individual cases will not be considered as precedent. Some financial aid probations are considered if the following circumstances have occurred:

  • Death in the student's immediate family that has been documented. (Death certificate, newspaper article, on-line obituary article or church bulletin.)
  • Personal illness requiring a loss of the equivalent of more than five consecutive class days that can be supported by a letter from a physician.
  • Serious illness in the student's immediate family that can be supported by at least one letter of documentation from a family members' physician.
  • Divorce or separation in the student's immediate family that can be documented for the time frame in question.  (Divorce decree, separation papers or letters from professional sources such as, a clergy member or counselor.)
  • Change in job schedule/responsibilities required by the employer and documented by the employer.

Please follow the steps below before submitting your appeal:

  1. Put the date you plan to submit the appeal at the top of the appeal form.
  2. Please print using black ink or type the appeal.
  3. Number the pages of the appeal form and supporting documentation.
  4. Make sure photocopied documents are clear and legible.
  5. Complete and sign the Financial Aid Appeal Form.  ALL items must be answered and your student ID must be on top of the form.  Please print or type your answers on the appeal form.   (Forms will not be accepted if incomplete and unreadable).
  6. Attached all documentation.
  7. Print and attach a copy of your program evaluation (You can print your transcript on your MyCollege account).  Highlight all classes in your program evaluation that you will need to take to graduate.
  • Go to your MyCollege
    • Log In
    • Click on Student
    • Under Acdemic Profile
      • Program Evaluation
      • Click the program
      • Run Report

The Student Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Committee will review the appeal, and determine whether the student will be granted financial aid and placed on financial aid probation.  The student will be advised in writing of the committee's decision via their CPCC provided email account.

Any student who is placed on Financial Aid probation through an approved appeal is required to meet all requirements as detailed in the student's academic improvement plan in order to have continued eligibility for federal and state financial aid.  Educational/Academic Plans require a student to meet certain criteria.  If approved, an Educational/Academic Plan will be mailed to you.  Withdrawing or failing a class is considered not meeting any criteria on an Educational Academic Plan.  Should a student fail to meet the stipulations, he or she may submit an appeal request to the Student Financial Aid Office if they have documentation of extenuating circumstances that caused them to fail or withdraw from a course.

Students may only appeal a maximum of three times during their academic career at Central Piedmont Community College.

Committee decisions on appeals are final and cannot be appealed at any other college or federal level. 

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Professional Judgment

Central Piedmont Community College’s Financial Aid Office of Student Financial may take into account a student’s special circumstances to make adjustments to his or her expected family contribution for educational expenses, standard budget, and/or financial aid dependency status, as determined by federal guidelines. These adjustments only affect need-based aid. Adjustments must be reasonable and documented, and the institution is held accountable for decisions made. Indicated below are the guidelines for professional judgment. Students requesting consideration for any of these categories of adjustment should complete and sign the Request for Professional Judgment Form, and submit it along with the required documentation to the Financial Aid Office.   A committee will review requests. The committee’s decision is final. Students will be notified in an email of the committee’s decision. Students submitting requests for professional judgments should allow 3-4 weeks for a response.

Adjustments to Estimated Family Contributions

The Financial Aid Office  may recalculate a student/parent’s Expected Family Contribution (EFC) for educational expenses if the student can document that he or she (or parent, if dependent or spouse, if married), has had a change in financial circumstances due to the reasons listed below:

The following are conditions/reasons for which a student may request an adjustment to their EFC.  The documents required that are listed below may not be the only documents needed once the PJ has been reviewed.

1. Death of a parent or the independent student's spouse.

Required Documents:

  • A copy of the death certificate
  • W2’s and current federal tax returns for student or for surviving parent.

2. Loss of employment by independent student/spouse/parent (for at least 3 months).

Required Documents:

  • Letter from previous employer on company letterhead stating:
    • Last day of employment and reason for unemployment
    • Earnings up to the last day of employment
  • Copy of current 1040
  • Statement from Unemployment Office stating benefits and beginning and ending dates
  • Retirement pay statement if applicable

3. Loss of earnings due to disability.

Required Documents:

  • A letter from physician stating the nature and date of the disability
  • Earnings up to the last day of employment

4. Loss of untaxed income and benefits.

Required Documents:

  • Documentation certifying loss of benefits or untaxed income.

5. Divorce or legal separation of parent or student

Required Documents:

  • A copy or the Divorce Decree and/or a letter from the attorney stating date of separation.
  • W2’s and current federal tax returns for Independent student or supporting parent.

6. One time income (inheritance, IRA distribution, retroactive lump-sum payment, etc.)

Required Documents:

  • Documentation of one-time income including type and dollar amount.
  • Statement and receipts showing how funds were spent, invested, or rolled over.

7. Non-elective medical or dental expense not covered by insurance.

Required documents:

  • Current federal tax return, Schedule A-Itemized Deductions AND/OR
  • Receipts of medical and dental payments NOT covered by insurance if you did not itemize on your Federal tax return. (Highlight your portion of payment & provide itemized totals on unreimbursed amount.)  This needs to be the amount that you have already paid out.

9. Elementary and secondary education tuition

  • Copy of receipt from elementary/secondary school for this academic year.


ALL Professional Judgments will require a Verification Worksheet to be completed and a copy of current tax information for both parent and/or student. Worksheets can be found under out forms page at https://www.cpcc.edu/financial_aid/fyi/forms-2011-2012.

It is the policy of the Financial Aid Office that we begin to use PJ to make adjustments to the EFC beginning July 1st for the upcoming award year. Accuracy in your income projection(s) is very important. It is out policy to not process future adjustments for any student who underestimates his/her household income by more than 15% for an adjustment calculation. For adjustments to income processed after January 1 of the award year, students and parents will be asked to provide current tax forms and W-2s.

Procedure to follow:

  • Turn documentation in to the Office of Student Financial Assistance.  A financial aid coordinator will review all documentation on a case-by-case basis. 
  • If it is determined that you may benefit from an adjustment, corrections to your FAFSA will be made electronically by the Financial Aid Office  and sent to the Federal Processor. Once the correction is made by the U. S. Department of Education, the Financial Aid Office will notify you by email of the change in your expected family contribution and new award amount(s).  You will also be notified by email if there is no change to your EFC or financial aid awards.


Processing time can be up to two weeks, or longer during peak times in the year. Professional Judgments are processed in date order.

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Dependency Override Appeal for 2012-2013

Federal financial aid regulations assume that a student’s family has primary responsibility for meeting educational costs.  If you are considered a dependent student according to the federal financial aid definition, your aid eligibility is determined by using parent income and asset information in addition to your information.

What makes a student Dependent or Independent?

Your student dependency status is determined by the U.S. Department of Education based on your responses to specific questions on the FAFSA.  For financial aid purposes, federal regulations have defined an independent student as one who meets AT LEAST ONE of the following conditions:

  • Born before January 1, 1989;
  • Married as of the date FAFSA signed;
  • Have children who receive more than half their support from the student, OR has legal dependents, other than a spouse or children, who live with student and who receive more than half their support from the student;
  • Attending Graduate level program of study during the 2012-13 academic year;
  • Veteran of U.S. Armed Forces (or will be a veteran as of June 30, 2013), or have attended a service academy and were released under a condition other than dishonorable;
  • Currently serving on active duty in U.S. Armed Forces (other than for training);
  • Emancipated Minor or in Legal Guardianship as determined by the court in her/his state of legal residence;
  • Orphan, Ward of Court, Foster Care (after age 13);
  • A self-supporting unaccompanied youth who is homeless or at risk of homelessness (as certified by governmental or school agency).

A student who does not meet ANY of the above conditions is classified as a Dependent student.

What is a Dependency Override?

A dependency override occurs when a financial aid administrator exercises professional judgment and overrides the Department of Education’s criteria for dependent students.  An override may only be granted on a case-by-case basis for students with unusual & exceptional circumstances.  These circumstances must show compelling reason for a student to be considered independent rather than dependent.    In addition, dependency overrides need to be approved each year.  

What conditions COULD warrant a Dependency Override?

The following are some examples of conditions that could warrant a dependency override:

  • Documented abandonment
  • Parental drug abuse
  • Parental mental incapacity
  • Physical or emotional abuse
  • Severe estrangement from parents
  • Parental Incarceration

What conditions DO NOT warrant a Dependency Override?

By Federal Law, the following conditions DO NOT warrant a dependency override:

  • Parents refuse to provide information on the FAFSA application or for verification
  • Parents do not claim student as a dependent for income tax purposes
  • Parents unwilling or unable to contribute to student’s education
  • Student demonstrates self-sufficiency
  • Student reluctant to request the income information from parents
  • Student does not wish to communicate with parents

Financial Aid Policy at CPCC  requires a student seeking a dependency override to complete the CPCC Dependency Override Appeal.  Decisions made at other institutions are not accepted.

You should complete the Dependency Override form if you are considered a dependent student for federal financial aid and believe you have compelling extenuating circumstances which should allow you to be considered an independent student.  Return the completed form with the required documentation to the Office of Financial Aid.  We understand the sensitive nature of these circumstances; all documentation received by our office will be kept confidential.

Please note the following:

  • Complete the 2012-13 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online prior to completing and submitting the Dependency Override Appeal.
  • Financial Aid policy at CPCC requires a student seeking a dependency override to complete the CPCC Dependency Override Appeal.  Decisions made at other institutions are not accepted.
  • When submitting your appeal, you will be required to meet with a financial aid staff member.
  • The determination of whether or not to approve a dependency override is made by the Office of Financial Aid at CPCC– not the U.S. Department of Education.  All decisions made by the Office of Financial Aid on dependency overrides are FINAL and not appealable.

Dependency Override Appeal Process:

  1. Personal Statement

On a separate sheet of paper, tell us in your own words why you are requesting a dependency override.  Be sure to describe the following:  (1) The nature of your relationship with your parents; (2) the location of both parents and when you last had contact with them; (3) why you cannot obtain information and/or support from your parents.  Sign and date your statement.

  1. Third-Party Statements

Provide at least two letters from third-party adult individuals who personally have knowledge of your situation and who can verify your circumstances.  At least one letter (on letterhead) must be from a guidance counselor, physician, social worker, clergy person, or another individual who has been involved in the circumstances in a professional capacity.  All letters must include details as to how the person knows you, how long they have known you, and how they have been involved and/or have first-hand knowledge of your situation. 

The individuals submitting letters cannot be related to one another, nor can they reside at the same address.  A telephone number and address where the individual can be reached for follow up questions must be included.

  1. Dependency Override Appeal Form

Complete all sections of the appeal form.

  1. Supporting Documentation

In addition to your personal statement, third-party statements, and the appeal form, you must provide the following documents with your appeal:

    • Copy of 2012 Federal Tax Return.  If you are not required to file, be sure to complete Step 5 of the appeal form and attach copies of your W-2’s or 1099 forms.
    • Complete a Dependent and Independent Worksheet.
    • Copy of your current lease or rental agreement.  If you do not have either, attach a signed statement from your current landlord verifying your tenancy.
    •  Documentation needed in the determination of dependency status.
  1. Meet with a member of Financial Aid staff

    2. Once you have completed the appeal form and gathered your statements and supporting documentation, contact CPCC’s Office of Financial Aid to make arrangements to meet with a Financial Aid Counselor and to submit your appeal in-person.

    After Filing yhe Dependency Override Appeal:

    If your appeal is approved

    We will notify you via email, and will submit the override to the Central Processing System.  Your financial aid will then be packaged based on independent status.

    If your appeal is not approved

    We will notify you via email of our decision.  In order to receive a financial aid package, you MUST provide parent financial information and signatures on your FAFSA, using the FAFSA website.

    All decisions on dependency overrides are made based on Professional Judgment by the Office of Financial Aid at CPCC.  All decisions on appeals are FINAL.

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    Academic Plan

    Academic Plans will only be assigned if you have an approved SAP Appeal. The Academic Plan is designed to ensure that you will be meeting SAP by a specific point in time. SPC’s Academic Plan requires:

    • Maintain a 3.0 GPA or better each term
    • Complete 100% or more of enrolled coursework each term
    • Enroll only in the specific courses required for your current degree program each term.

    To view the courses required for your current degree program login into your MyCollege and view your program evaluation.  Make sure your program is correct.

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    New Status Definitions beginning Fall 2011

    At the beginning of the Fall 2011 term, the definitions of "status" of students not meeting SAP changed.

    1. Financial Aid Warning You will be placed on Financial Aid Warning the very first-time you do not meet all three SAP requirements or the first time after getting back in good standing. You will continue to be eligible for financial aid for one term only.
    2. Financial Aid Suspension If you are not meeting SAP requirements for a second consecutive time, you will be placed on Financial Aid Suspension. Suspension means you are not eligible for financial aid until the minimum SAP requirements are met. You can file an appeal if extenuating circumstances beyond your control kept you from meeting SAP requirements.
    3. Financial Aid Probation If you submit an SAP Appeal and it is approved, you will be placed on Financial Aid Probation and assigned an Academic Plan. You can receive financial aid for the term that you are on probation. If you don’t adhere to the Academic Plan you will be placed on Financial Aid Suspension. Then you will lose your financial aid eligibility and no other appeals will be accepted until the minimum SAP requirements are met.

    Why is there a change?

    The US Department of Education recently published new regulations in an effort to ensure only eligible students receive financial aid.

    What is not changing?

    • Current minimum cumulative GPA, Completion Ratio, and Maximum Time Frame requirements remain the same.

    If a student is not maintaining SAP standards, they must still complete an appeal in order for reinstatement of financial aid to be considered. 

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