Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Policy
Effective as of Fall 2006

Eligibility Requirements | Eligibility Limitations | Financial Aid Probation

Financial Aid Suspension | Reinstatement of Financial Aid Eligibility | Appeal of Financial Aid Suspension

In accordance with the federal regulations, financial aid recipients must maintain satisfactory academic progress toward the achievement of a degree or certificate. Financial aid standards for satisfactory academic progress are not the same as the university standards. The student's academic progress will be evaluated at the time of awarding (or at the end of Spring/Summer for awards done prior to the end of the previous academic year).

Eligibility Requirements

1. Students must be enrolled in a classified degree or certificate program of study (approved for Title IV funding by the U.S. Department of Education) at Kapiolani Community College (KCC).
2. Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.0.
3. Students must successfully earn 67% of all credits attempted. The following grades will be considered as credits attempted but not earned: W, F, NC, NP, I. An "I" will be calculated as no credit until it reverts to a letter grade and is posted to the student's academic record. Repeated courses count toward Attempted Credit Hours.

The following illustrates the number of credits that are required (except those on Financial Aid Probation, see special requirements):

Example: Since he started attending KCC, Bobby attempted to complete 60 credit hours. However, he was only able to earn 50 of the 60 credits that he attempted because he withdrew from a few classes and failed one. Based on the following calculation, Bobby has earned more than 67% of the credits that he attempted and has therefore fulfilled the KCC SAP Policy requirements.

Bobby's Credits Completed 50 / Bobby's Credits Attempted 60 = 83%

Eligibility Limitations

1. Students will be allowed to attempt 150% of the number of credit hours normally required to complete the degree or certificate program the student is seeking.

Example: An Associate degree in Liberal Arts at KCC requires 60 credit hours. A student is eligible to receive financial aid for a maximum of 90 (60 x 150%) credit hours at Kapi'olani Community College.

2. Students who change majors, have a previous degree or certificate will be assessed based on the number of remaining credits needed towards their current degree (only one change of major allowed). Students who are seeking an AA and have earned an AA/BA/BS are not eligible for financial aid.
3. ALL previously attempted credits (including summer) will be considered in determining satisfactory academic progress AND included toward Attempted Credit Hours, WHETHER OR NOT a student has previously received any financial aid.
4. Transfer credits that are accepted by KCC will be counted towards students' maximum time frame (see #1 above).

Students who COMPLETELY WITHDRAW during a semester will be assessed completion rate requirements based on their ORIGINAL ENROLLMENT.

Financial Aid Probation Due To Professional Judgment

Students who do not meet the minimum standards for academic progress but have an approved (by a Financial Aid Specialist) appeal due to mitigating circumstances (i.e. serious illness/injury or death in the immediate family) may be placed on Financial Aid Probation Due to Professional Judgment.

DURING THE PROBATIONARY SEMESTER(S), STUDENTS MUST:

Students on financial aid probation due to professional judgment will be notified in writing of their status and conditions. While on financial aid probation, students are still eligible to receive financial aid but continued eligibility is dependent upon successful completion of their probationary requirements.

Financial Aid Suspension

Students will not be eligible to receive financial aid for any of the following reasons:

1. Fails to complete the completion rate requirements or GPA.
2. Fails to complete the requirements (GPA and credit completion) for courses taken during the probationary semester.
3. Attempted credits are more than the maximum 150% of the degree/certificate currently seeking.

Students will be notified in writing of their financial aid suspension.

Reinstatement of Financial Aid Eligibility

To be reinstated for financial aid eligibility, a student may attend courses during subsequent terms, at the student's expense, to make up credits and/or improve her/his GPA. Upon successful completion of once again meeting the KCC SAP Policy standard requirements, the student may submit a request for reinstatement through the Kekaulike Information and Service Center (KISC).

Appeal of Financial Aid Suspension

Financial Aid Suspension may be appealed due to mitigating circumstances, such as serious illness/injury or the death of an immediate family member. Those suspended due to attempting credits more than the 150% of the program are not eligible for appeal.

Step 1 - Make an appointment with a Financial Aid Specialist for a Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeal Form

Step 2 - Complete the Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeal Form

Appeals should explain in detail:

1. The specific reasons which contributed to the students' lack of progress,
2. The steps being taken to ensure academic progress, if reinstated, and
3. Meet with an Academic Advisor

Step 3 - Submit to the KISC

Step 4 - The student will be notified in writing of the decision. Thereafter, any appeals or comments must be made in writing to the Financial Aid Advisory Board. The decision of the Financial Aid Advisory Board is final.