Satisfactory Academic Progression Policy (SAP)
To receive financial aid, students must successfully complete a minimum of 75% (no rounding up) of the credit hours attempted in an academic period. An academic period is normally the academic year consisting of the fall and spring semesters; however, it may be summer sessions or just one semester. Satisfactory Academic Progress is checked at the end of every spring semester for every student. Based on those findings, individual students may be reviewed again at the end of summer sessions and the following fall. Students not meeting the requirements will be notified at their permanent home addresses, regardless of whether or not they intend to apply for financial assistance.
Students who have attempted hours in excess of 150% of the hours required to complete the program are not eligible for financial aid. There are no exceptions. For example, students in a program that requires 120 credit hours will not receive any type of financial aid after attempting 180 credit hours. This includes coursework attempted at other institutions.
EXAMPLE of SAP Policy: Students enrolled for 30 credit hours during an academic year must successfully complete 23 credits. Part-time students enrolled in 6 credit hours per semester must complete a total of 9 credits for the two semesters. The census date to determine hours attempted is the day after the last day to drop courses without academic penalty. This is approximately three weeks after the first day of classes. The UMW cumulative grade point average (CGPA) standard for credits taken at UMW is as follows:
Less than 30 credit hours, minimum 1.650 CGPA
30 – 45 credit hours, minimum 1.800 CGPA
46 - 59 credit hours, minimum 1.900 CGPA
Over 59 credit hours, minimum 2.000 CGPA
Graduate Level: minimum 2.000 CGPA for UMW courses
Coursework transferred from other institutions is included in the total number of credit hours, but is not factored into the cumulative grade point average. Students who do not meet the above criteria may request reevaluation at the end of summer sessions or the fall semester if additional courses have been completed to meet these requirements. Students' financial aid awards are determined at the appropriate grade level when awards are made. For example, students with fewer than 30 credits at the end of their first two semesters are considered third semester freshmen and are awarded financial aid at the freshman grade level for the academic year. This is the case at every grade level. Priority for all scholarship and grant funds is given to students who achieve and maintain a minimum cumulative and semester 2.000 grade point average. However, many programs require a higher grade point average.
Students who withdraw from any or all classes after the start of a semester will have their aid reduced. Additionally, if proceeds have been disbursed it is very likely that eligibility will be prorated and funds returned to the appropriate programs.