SATISFACTORY ACADEMIC PROGRESS POLICY (SAP)

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) ensures that students are progressing through their program of study both academically and in a timely manner. In order to be considered to be making satisfactory progress toward a degree or certificate, a student must both maintain specified cumulative grade point averages and a specified completion rate. To determine satisfactory progress, a student’s cumulative grade point average and completion rate will be evaluated at the end every quarter after grades are posted, approximately 10 days after the end of the quarter. The maximum time frame that a student is allowed to complete a program is 1.5 times the program length.

The minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) and completion rate required for the Master of Arts Program based on quarter progression is as follows:

The minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) and completion rate required for the Doctor of Education program based on quarter progression is as follows:

The minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) and completion rate required for Graduate Certificate Programs based on quarter progression is as follows:

Students are expected to complete the requirements for their program in the scheduled time frame, but in no case may the quarter units attempted exceed 1.5 times the quarter units required to complete the program. At the end of each quarter, if the student has less than the minimum acceptable cumulative grade point average and/or has not earned at least the percentage of attempted credits described in the chart above (required to complete the program within 150% of the program length), he or she will be notified and placed on Academic Warning for the remainder of the current quarter (i.e. if you are placed on academic warning for your quarter one performance, ten days after the quarter ends you will be placed on warning for the next quarter, quarter two). If a student fails to achieve satisfactory progress by the end of the quarter in which they are on Academic Warning, the student will be withdrawn from the program (unless the student files and is granted an appeal as defined below). If the student regains SAP by the end of the quarter, they will be removed from Academic Warning. WGU does not offer summer terms. All periods of enrollment count toward Satisfactory Academic Progress, including periods when a student does not receive financial aid.

Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeals, Probation, and Academic Plans  A student may appeal the University’s determination of withdrawal due to failure to re-establish satisfactory progress by the end of the warning period to the Chancellor based upon extenuating circumstances. These might include the death of a relative, an illness of or injury to the student or other extraordinary situations. The student’s appeal must be received on or before the first Wednesday of the first week of the new quarter for the student to be eligible to register for the following quarter. If it is determined that a student should have been withdrawn at the end of the prior quarter for failure to maintain or regain SAP, he or she will not be charged for the new quarter.  The appeal must contain 1) an explanation of why the student failed to meet the SAP standards; and 2) a description of what has changed in the student’s situation that will enable him or her to again meet the satisfactory progress standards. Supporting documentation should be submitted if possible.  

The Chancellor will review the information submitted in the context of the student’s entire academic record, and notify the student of his or her decision within 24 hours. This decision is final. If the appeal is granted, then the student will be placed on probation for the quarter, and the Chancellor’s notice to the student will outline the requirements of the academic plan the student must follow The terms of the academic plan must ensure the student will be able to complete the program within the maximum timeframe (1.5 times the program length) and with the required CGPA for graduation. At the end of the probationary quarter, the student’s progress will be evaluated based upon the academic plan. If the student is meeting the SAP standards, or he or she has met all of the terms of the academic plan, the student will be eligible to remain in school. In all subsequent quarters the student must again meet the SAP standards or the terms of the academic plan.  

If the student fails to meet the terms of the academic plan at the end of the probationary quarter, the student will be terminated. Second appeals in this situation will only be granted at the discretion of the Chancellor, and based upon very exceptional circumstances.  

Procedure for re-establishing Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)  A student who is placed on Academic Warning and re-establishes SAP at the end of the Academic Warning period will be removed from Academic Warning. A student who is placed on Probation and re-establishes SAP at the end of the Probation period will be removed from Probation.  

The effect on SAP for all Withdrawal and Incomplete Grades   
 

    * No credit awarded. Converts to F if not completed in specified period.
  ** No credit awarded.
*** Higher of two attempts included in GPA

The effect on SAP for repeated courses  The higher of the two grades earned for a repeated course will be used in calculating the CGPA. The credits attempted for both courses are included in the calculation of the completion rate.  

The effect on SAP for non-punitive grades and non-credit or remedial courses  WGU does not offer remedial courses. The grade assignment of AU is a non-punitive grade that does not impact CGPA or completion rate calculations.  

The effect on SAP when a student seeks to earn an additional credential  If a student seeks an additional credential, the credits and grades attempted in the original credential that apply to the new credential are included in the determination of a student’s satisfactory academic progress, both in CGPA and completion rate.  

The effect on SAP for Extended-Enrollment Status  The University does not offer extended-enrollment status.

The effect on SAP when student changes programs or is re-admitted to the same program If a student is re-admitted into the University or changes program of study, the credits and grades that are applicable to the student’s current program of study will be included in the CGPA and in credits attempted for determining the student’s satisfactory academic progress and the appropriate evaluation level for the student.  

The effect on SAP for Transfer Credits  The University does not accept transfer credits from other postsecondary institutions. Re-entry for students dismissed due to failure to meet SAP Students who have been dismissed for lack of satisfactory progress may apply to be readmitted into the same curriculum, as the class schedule permits, after 6 months. Such a student will be enrolled for a probationary quarter upon reentry. This procedure applies only to dismissals caused by lack of satisfactory progress and when the student is reentering the same curriculum. It does not apply to voluntary withdrawals. 

QUESTIONS?

If you have any questions about the admission process, please contact the Office of Admissions at info@wrightgrad.edu or (312)-645-8333.