Maintaining Eligibility — New Federal Policy effective Fall 2011-12
Federal regulations require that schools monitor the academic progress of students. This policy applies to all students accepted into undergraduate programs pursuing an associate degree or technical diploma. It includes all periods of enrollment even if the student did not receive financial aid. Students can receive aid only for classes that are required for their program.

To continue to receive financial assistance for each term, a student must progress toward the attainment of a degree or diploma in an approved program by meeting the following standards:

• GPA: Cumulative 2.0 or higher

• Pace: Must complete 67% of all classes attempted. Example: Term 1 – start with 12 credits, withdraw from 3 credits, complete 9 credits; pace is 75% (9/12). Term 2 start with 12 credits, withdraw from 6 credits, complete 6 credits; pace is 63% (15/24).
• Attempted Credits: Must include withdrawals (W), incompletes (IC), in-progress (IP) repetitions (R) and transfer credits (TR). Due to the cumulative nature of these requirements, it is very important that students take adding and dropping of classes under careful consideration.
• Financial Aid Repeating a Course: Any course in which a “C” or better grade was received may not be repeated to qualify for financial aid unless a higher grade is required by the individual academic program in which case only one repeat is allowable.

• Maximum timeframe: Successfully complete the program before attempting more than 150% of the credits required for graduation. Example: A program that requires 68 credits for graduation. 68 credits x 150% = 102. Students are not eligible for aid at the point when they cannot mathematically complete their program within the 150% timeframe.

Financial Aid Warning: If the student does not meet the above standards, they will be placed on Financial Aid Warning for one semester to allow them to get back in good standing. During that warning semester, students are still eligible for financial aid but must meet the standards at the end of the term or be suspended. Students on warning are strongly encouraged to utilize the services provided by MSTC such as the Academic Success Center, tutoring, and counseling to be successful.

Financial Aid Suspension: Students who do not meet the above standards after the warning term, will be suspended from receiving future financial aid. If there are extenuating circumstances, students have the right to submit an appeal for reinstatement for one semester.

Appeal Process – Students who believe their circumstances merit reconsideration may appeal their suspension by submitting an Appeal for Reinstatement. This form can be found at http://www.mstc.edu/finaid/forms.htm or by contacting the financial aid office. The appeal requires students to explain why they failed to meet the standards and what has changed that will allow them to meet the standards during the next term.

An appeal cannot be based on need for aid or lack of knowledge of the warning status. An appeal must be based on an unusual situation or condition which prevented the student from being successful. Examples include illness, injury, or death of a family member. Documentation may be required. Students whose appeal is approved will be placed on financial aid probation. A student on probation may receive funds for one payment period. While the student is on probation, the college may require the student to fulfill specific terms and conditions such as taking a reduced course load or enrolling in specific courses. At the end of one payment period on probation, the student must meet the satisfactory academic progress standards or meet the requirements of the academic plan developed by the college to qualify for further aid.

Students whose appeals are approved but will not be able to meet the Satisfactory Academic Progress Standards by the end of the probationary term, will be required to meet with a counselor to determine an academic plan. This plan must ensure that the student will be able to meet the standards within a specific timeframe.

Students who have not met the satisfactory progress standards may continue enrollment but not receive aid. If an appeal is denied or if a student chooses not to appeal, eligibility for aid can be regained by meeting with a counselor to develop an academic plan. The student may need to self-pay for the courses based on an approved academic plan until they can meet the standards of academic progress for further financial aid eligibility.

Students will not be considered for financial aid nor will any additional disbursements for any future enrollment period of financial aid be authorized, unless the requirements for satisfactory progress have been met or a formal appeal has been approved.