Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy
Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy
The U.S. Department of Education requires that institutions participating in the Title IV Federal Student Aid Programs to have a policy to monitor a student's academic progress. The policy must measure a student's academic progress both quantitatively and qualitatively. If it is determined that a student is not making reasonable academic progress, the student will not be eligible to receive financial aid until they have met the policy's standards. We encourage students who have questions regarding these procedures to come into the Student Services area. In order to be eligible for financial assistance, students must meet the following satisfactory academic progress requirements set by the college.
A. Length of Time (Quantitative Standard): Federal financial aid regulations provide assistance up to 150 percent of program length; i.e., there are a maximum number of credit hours for which assistance can be awarded. Students pursuing an associate degree may attempt up to a maximum of 96 credit hours. Students pursuing a certificate may attempt up to a maximum of 48 credit hours. Programs with unusually high credit hour requirements (such as Nursing) will be allowed a higher maximum.
B. Students must complete two-thirds (67%) of their total hours attempted. Credit hours attempted and transferred in from other colleges and universities will be counted in the total credit hours attempted at OTC and will be counted in the credit hours toward the maximum time frame.
NOTE: No additional time will be allowed for program completion if a student changes majors or programs. The summer term is counted for the maximum time frame a student has to complete his/her program.
C. Grade Point Average (GPA) (Qualitative Standard): Students on financial assistance must maintain a cumulative grade point average, as follows, in order to continue to receive financial assistance.
| Associate Degrees | |||
| Hours Attempted | 1-25 | 26-40 | 41+ |
| Minimum Cumulative GPA | 1.5 | 1.75 | 2.0 |
| Certificate Programs | |||
| Hours Attempted | 1-12 | 13-20 | 21+ |
| Minimum Cumulative GPA | 1.5 | 1.75 | 2.0 |
Grades of A, B, C, D and F are counted in determining a students cumulative GPA. Grades of I, N, P, NP, R, S and W are not counted in determining a students GPA. Developmental courses will be computed in the credit hours attempted and completed; however, the grades will not be used in computing the GPA. A course may be repeated one time for financial aid purposes. Students who attend OTC without financial assistance, and then apply for assistance, will have to meet the satisfactory progress standards as if they had received assistance from the beginning of their attendance at OTC.
D. Financial Aid Probation: Students who's cumulative GPA is less than the required minimum GPA as shown on the chart for the number of credit hours attempted and/or fail to complete 67% of the total hours attempted, will be placed on financial aid probation in the succeeding academic term. Probation still allows the student to receive financial aid.
E. Financial Aid Suspension: Students on probation (or student whose academic history prior to filing for financial aid was probationary) whose GPA at the conclusion of the probationary term is less than the required cumulative GPA as shown on the chart for the number of credit hours attempted, and/or who have failed to complete the 67% of the total hours attempted, will be suspended from financial aid benefits. Also, students who exceed the maximum time frame will be suspended. Once students regain a satisfactory GPA, and/or complete 67% of the hours attempted, they may reapply for financial assistance. In addition, students whose cumulative attempted hours exceed the maximum time frame will be suspended from financial aid benefits. Students who have graduated with a certificate and are planning on returning to pursue an associate degree should notify the Student Services office.
F. Financial Aid Appeals Process: Students may appeal the denial of financial assistance via the online appeals form sent by the financial aid office. Students should explain any mitigating circumstances concerning their academic performance. Students who are suspended due to exceeding the maximum time frame, should provide information regarding their desired degree, length of time expected to complete and anticipated placement regarding their degree/occupation. A committee will review each situation on a case-by-case basis and provide a written response to the appeal. The decision of the committee may be appealed in accordance with the Student Grievance Procedures Policy.