Students' progress according to the SAP standards is measured at the end of every semester in order to determine eligibility for future semesters. Students can be in one of following SAP status categories:
Dean's List
To receive Dean's List recognition, a student must complete at least nine or more graded credits (excluding grades of P and S) in a given semester and achieve a GPA of 3.75 or higher for that semester. Dean's List recognition is given only for the fall and spring semesters.
Good Status
Students are in good academic standing if they:
- Maintain a 2.00 semester and cumulative GPA;
- Complete the minimum number of credits for each academic year (based on Federal Financial Aid completion guidelines); and
- Complete all degree requirements within a specified time-frame.
Warning Status
Students not in good status for the first time will be placed on warning and will receive a letter and/or an e-mail to the College of Idaho e-mail account. A student may continue to receive financial assistance during the warning period. Students on warning are encouraged to work with their advisor and to use the counseling, tutoring, testing, and other services available on campus to assist them with improving their academic standing:
- Be removed from Warning and placed in Good status if both the cumulative GPA and cumulative completion rate standards are met; OR
- Be placed on Dismissal and suspended from receiving financial assistance from federal, state, and institutional sources.
Probation/Academic Plan
A student on "Probation" may receive federal, state, and institutional aid for one semester pending evaluation. Students who have been placed on "Probation" and are attending their program under an approved academic plan remain eligible for aid as long as they continue to meet the conditions of that plan.
Dismissal Status
Students who do not meet both standards (qualitative and quantitative) are no longer eligible for financial aid. Students will receive a letter informing them that they have been dismissed. Classes can be taken (using their own funding) and students can raise their cumulative GPA and completion rate to meet the above standards to be reviewed for SAP. Students who are placed on dismissal may petition if there are extenuating circumstances that led to academic difficulties (see Petition Process).
Petition Process
Students who are placed on dismissal may petition if there are extenuating circumstances that led to academic difficulties. A student may petition (with supporting documentation) in these situations:
- Extenuating circumstances: situations over which the student has no control and which may include death in the student's immediate family, hospitalization, accidents, and illness. Supporting documentation is required.
- Dismissal resulting from a grade of Incomplete (I) or missing grades.
The following must be included with the petition:
- Why the student failed to meet satisfactory progress;
- What has changed in the student's situation that will allow the student to demonstrate satisfactory progress at the next evaluation; and
- A written academic plan with advisor signature.
The Financial Aid and Academic Standing Committee will:
- Review the petition and current academic performance; and
- Convey in writing to the student the approval or disapproval of the petition.
If the petition is approved, the student will be placed on probation for the next semester.
If the petition is approved and the student does not meet the requirements of the approval as outlined in the approval document, the student will be automatically dismissed.
Students who have been dismissed and choose not to petition, or who miss the petition's deadline, or whose petition is denied may be considered for re-admission upon presenting evidence of ability to do satisfactory college work. Normally, the expectation is that the student will complete at least 12 credits at another regionally-accredited college or university with no grade below a C. Students who have been dismissed and do not appeal may not enroll in any classes at The College of Idaho unless they have permission from the Financial Aid and Academic Standings Committee.
A student may submit a maximum of 2 petitions during their time of study at The College of Idaho.
Reinstatement
The policy does not preclude a student from enrolling in subsequent semesters. Students can raise their GPA and/or satisfy credit deficiencies by taking additional course work at The College of Idaho without receiving financial aid or by transferring in credits from another institution. Students who have lost eligibility for financial aid will not regain eligibility simply by paying for their classes for a semester or by sitting out a semester. Students may have their financial aid reinstated once all SAP standards (both qualitative and quantitative) are met. Students can also submit a copy of their College of Idaho transcript and a petition form to verify grade changes, including removal of Incompletes, if this will result in the student meeting the requirements of SAP for financial assistance.