Satisfactory Academic Progress

• All students should monitor their Academic Progress
  • Generally speaking, if your GPA is 2.5 or lower and/or you are unable to earn at least 12 credits each semester, you should connect with campus partners for support. Our office can assist with that.
  • Earning a GPA of 2.5 or higher can open doors to continuing student scholarships, fellowships, and other competitive programs.
     
• The Center for Student Success designed a flowchart to guide you through the process of maintaining or returning to Good Satisfactory Academic Progress. Click the link below to view the flowchart:
  • https://www.ithaca.edu/sites/default/files/2024-08/sap-flow-chart-revised-1.pdf 

It is to your benefit that you request a plan as early in the semester as possible; waiting until later in the semester may be too late to turn things around.

STEP ONE: Request an academic resource plan

• Students reflect on their academic performance and personal growth leading up to the SAP Warning Semester by requesting an Academic Resource Plan.
  • The plan is available for students to complete on their own or with a Student Success Coach; professional, not peer.
• After completing the request, students book a meeting with a Student Success Coach to review and build out the plan.

STEP TWO: build out the plan with a student success coach

• Based on the students request and reflection, the Student Success Coach works with the student to identify an appropriate goal(s) for the upcoming semester.
• Together, the student and coach determine specific, manageable steps that will be taken to complete the goal in the upcoming semester.
  • Students are also able to identify additional campus partners in support their goal(s) that they would like to include in their Academic Resource Plan.
• The student signs an acknowledgement agreeing to the terms of the Plan.

STEP THREE: Initiate the plan

• After the Academic Resource Plan is built, the plan is emailed to the student and Student Success Coach.
• The student contacts and discusses the plan with any campus partners identified.

• The plan begins at the start of the semester and concludes before finals.

Ready to request an Academic Resource Plan? Click here: Academic Resource Plan

Maintaining SAP for a degree is defined by meeting minimum requirements for Cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA), a credit Completion Ratio and a Maximum Time Limit. The following examples demonstrate how a student may be placed on a SAP Warning Semester, according to the SAP Policy outlined at the link above:

Academic Status decisions, such as academic warning and suspension, are made independently of Academic Progress. A student may experience a change in Academic Status at the same time as their Academic Progress. The chart below highlights the differences between Academic Status and Academic Progress.

For more clarification on your Academic Status requirements, connect with your Faculty Advisor or Academic Service Coordinator. We can help with that, too. 

• How many times am I allowed a SAP Warning Semester?
  • Students are allowed one SAP Warning Semester
• What happens if I do not return to "Good Progress" after a SAP Warning Semester?
  • Failure to meet the relevant minimums after a SAP Warning Semester will result in ineligibility for financial aid. Students are then able to appeal for a SAP Waiver Semester and may be approved to extend eligibility for an additional semester.
• What happens if I need to appeal for a SAP Waiver Semester?
  • Students that need to appeal for a SAP Waiver Semester will be notified via email and should meet with their Dean’s Office ASAP.
• Why are there requirements to maintain my financial aid package?
  • Recipients of federal student aid and/or institutional funding are expected to make reasonable progress toward their degree as a condition of receiving and continuing to receive that aid.
• What if I am a Graduate student on SAP Warning?
  • Graduate students placed on a SAP Warning Semester are highly encouraged to meet with their faculty or program advisor before requesting an Academic Resource Plan.