Federal School Code: 003425
Satisfactory Academic Progress
   
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The Clemson University Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy evaluates both the quality (grade point ratio) and quantity (credit hours completed) of a student's academic work. Students must earn a GPR that meets the requirements for continuing enrollment and graduation as defined in the Clemson University Undergraduate Announcements. Students must maintain satisfactory academic progress to receive any type of financial assistance. (More restrictive criteria apply to certain programs.)

Credit hours are evaluated on the basis of a student's enrollment. Under this system, students have a maximum time frame to complete their degree.

· Students must not exceed 12 full-time semesters for the completion of their undergraduate degree.

· Freshmen have six years of full-time enrollment or the equivalent in part-time enrollment in which to complete requirements for a degree.

· New transfer students will have their entry point into the six-year time frame calculated according to the following equation:

12 -

credits transferred x 75%

12

=

Number of semesters remaining in which to earn a degree

 

Enrollment is defined and satisfactory academic progress levels are established as of the last day to register or to add classes. Satisfactory academic progress is evaluated at the end of the spring semester, and the determination of satisfactory or unsatisfactory status is applicable to the succeeding academic year. The student must have completed:

· 24 hours during the academic year if he or she was enrolled both semesters full time (12 or more hours) as of the last day to register;

· nine hours for any semester in which he or she was enrolled three-quarter time (9-11 hours) as of the last day to register; and

· six hours for any semester in which he or she was enrolled half time (6-8 hours) as of the last day to register.

For example, if a student registered for 15 hours (full time) in the fall and 11 hours (three-quarter time) in the spring, he or she must complete at least 21 hours (12 + 9 = 21) for the academic year to maintain satisfactory academic progress.

The chart below shows a student's expected progress in proportion to full-time or part-time enrollment as of the last day to add a course.

If enrolled
1st Semester
2nd Semester
3rd Semester
4th Semester, etc.
Full Time
12
24
36
48 etc.
At least 3/4 but less than full time
9
18
27
36 etc.
At least 1/2 but less than 3/4 time
6
12
18
24 etc.

Notifications of unsatisfactory academic progress are mailed in May to all current financial aid applicants. Those who apply for aid after the end of the spring semester will receive notification after their processed FAFSA is received by Clemson University.

Students returning under the Academic Renewal Policy who apply for financial aid should update their academic progress record by submitting written notification of their status to Student Financial Aid. Prior terms will still be counted in the 12 semesters allowed for satisfactory academic progress.

After termination/denial of financial aid, a student may appeal. Appeals for financial aid will be considered only when the following conditions have been met:

· Sufficient credit hours are earned and
· GPR meets the required level for continuing
enrollment or
· It is established through the financial aid appeals process that the student encountered some type of extenuating circumstance during the semester in question that hindered academic performance (e.g., prolonged hospitalization, death in the family, etc.).

Students wishing to appeal must submit a letter to the Office of Student Financial Aid stating their reasons for failing to meet the satisfactory progress requirement and whether or not they have solved their difficulties. This appeal is separate from the activities of the Appeals Committee on Continuing Enrollment.

Students who make unsatisfactory academic progress have the opportunity to earn credits to meet the minimum requirements during the 2004 summer school session. However, because summer grades are not always available in time for an appeal to be reviewed, students must pay out-of-pocket for fall semester. Students will be reimbursed if their appeals are granted. Students who are deficient in hours may take transferable courses at other institutions; however, students who need to improve their GPR must take their course work at Clemson University.

Duplicate credits taken at Clemson University, including courses repeated for Academic Redemption, do not count as credits completed for satisfactory academic progress.

It is important to note that, regardless of the academic policy on withdrawal allowances, withdrawals can negatively impact aid eligibility. Withdrawing from classes may not hurt a student's GPR; however, it can hurt a student's satisfactory academic progress if insufficient hours are completed.

Students subject to suspension or dismissal who are petitioning for readmission must write a separate letter to the Office of Student Financial Aid after their suspension is lifted.

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