Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy

A student receiving financial aid at Frederick Community College (FCC) must make satisfactory academic progress (SAP) toward an eligible program of study (degree or certificate) to remain eligible for financial aid within a specified timeframe. This is a requirement for both federal and state aid. At FCC, SAP status is reviewed annually after the spring semester. The only exception being students on academic plans and in certificate programs that are expected to be completed in one year or less – these students are reviewed at the end of each semester.

Returning students, who were not enrolled for the spring evaluation, are reviewed for academic progress when FCC receives their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) based on performance up through the most recent Spring semester (or most recently completed semester for those in a certificate program) or notification of completion of a Maryland Higher Education Commission MHEC One-App.

The student’s Pace of Completion, GPA, and progress toward their Maximum Timeframe is assessed during this evaluation. Students determined to not make Satisfactory Academic Progress will be placed in a financial aid suspended status. Students have a right to appeal their financial aid suspension.

Progress Reviews

SAP status is generally reviewed once a year, after the Spring semester, with the exception of individuals on an academic plan and students in certificate programs designed to be completed in one year or less, which are reviewed at the end of each semester.

If you return to FCC after time away and were not enrolled during the most recent Spring semester, your SAP review happens when we receive your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or MHEC One App. The review is based on your performance through your most recently completed semester.

Three measures are evaluated: Pace of Completion, GPA, and Maximum Timeframe. Students who do not meet all three are placed in financial aid suspended status.

SAP Standards - What We Measure

FCC evaluates your academic progress using three measures. Select each tab to learn how each measure works and what you need to meet the standards.

Grades and SAP Calculations

Different grade types affect your SAP status in different ways. Review the tabs below to understand how grades, repeated courses, and other factors are calculated.

Appeals and Reinstatement

Students who become ineligible for financial aid due to unsatisfactory academic progress may appeal their status. Students may submit a Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeal. Complete appeals must be submitted by the semester deadline to be considered. Students may submit an appeal using the Manage Requests feature on their StudentForms account. Appeals received after the semester deadline will be considered for the following term. Students who need assistance preparing SAP appeals may request an appointment with a financial aid representative by sending an email from their myFCC email account to financialaid@frederick.edu.

Appeal and ICAP Deadlines

As a condition of SAP approval, students will be required to schedule an appointment with their Academic Advisor in order to develop an Individual College Academic Plan (ICAP). Completed plans must be uploaded to the StudentForms portal by the student. Students who fail to submit an ICAP by the posted deadline, risk having their appeal denied.

Acceptable Extenuating Circumstances

For their appeal to be considered, they must be able to document an extenuating circumstance that led to their inability to meet the standards and explain how the circumstances have been resolved. Supporting documentation is required.

Appeals are reviewed by the Financial Aid Office staff and a decision will be sent to the student’s myFCC email.

 The Financial Aid Office does not limit the number of times a student may appeal; however, subsequent appeals require new documented circumstances for consideration.

Students who appeal their SAP status and are approved will be placed on academic plan probation status. While on probation, they must follow the exact classes/conditions as outlined in their ICAP to maintain good standing. FCC does not use one semester probation statuses without academic plans. The academic plan details the semesters it will take for the student to successfully meet the SAP standards or graduate if they will be unable to meet SAP standards prior to graduation.

Per Federal regulations, students who require a change to their ICAP (including a minor adjustment to the order/exact courses listed) must appeal again before their ICAP can be altered.

Students who are suspended or denied are not eligible to receive federal and/or state aid and are encouraged to make alternative payment arrangements.

• Students may consider enrolling in a payment plan and paying their balance out-of-pocket.
• Students may consider applying for external and FCC Foundation scholarships.
• Students may also apply for a private student loan.

Students who do not appeal or whose appeals are denied should make alternative payment arrangements to pay for courses until they are meeting the minimum standards outlined in the SAP policy to regain eligibility. A student exceeding maximum timeframe will not regain eligibility without a successful SAP appeal.