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Academic Progress

Academic Early Alert - When student performance is deemed unsatisfactory by the instructor prior to midterm (by the fourth week), that instructor may issue an early alert. The intent of the early alert is to notify students of poor academic performance and to jointly develop a plan of action for improvement. Early alert decisions may be made based on attendance, class work, homework, test grades, etc.

Academic Progress for Financial Aid Purposes - For students receiving financial aid, academic records are reviewed at the end of each semester. A student is expected to maintain the required cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 in order to receive and/or maintain eligibility for financial aid. A student must pass a minimum of 67 percent of all credit hours attempted at the end of each semester and may not exceed the 150 percent maximum time frame required to complete the eligible degree, diploma or certificate program.

A student receiving financial assistance may be granted a one semester warning period in order to make and/or maintain satisfactory progress. During the warning period, the student may continue to receive financial aid based on eligibility. If, at the end of the warning period, the student re-establishes satisfactory progress for financial aid purposes, then the warning status is lifted and the student is making satisfactory progress.

A student who fails to meet satisfactory requirements following the one warning semester may be ineligible for financial aid at WCC. A student whose financial aid has been suspended may attend the following semester(s) without the benefit of financial aid in order to make up the grade point average (GPA) and/or hours deficiencies.

Appeal for Financial Aid Purposes - Federal regulations require schools to monitor academic progress for financial aid purposes. For students receiving financial aid, academic records are reviewed at the end of each semester. Academic progress is measured in three areas. A student is expected to maintain the required cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 at the end of each semester. A student must have a minimum 67 percent pass rate, including grades of “OW”, “W”, “WP”, “WF”, “I”, “F”, “AU”, and “X” at the end of each semester. In addition, a student may not exceed the 150 percent maximum time frame of their published program (major) for financial aid eligibility. It is the student’s responsibility to stay informed of the College’s Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards for financial aid and to monitor his or her own progress.

NOTE: An approved appeal will be based on the student’s academic history, explanation of the mitigating circumstances, the strength of supporting documentation, the plan of improvement, and whether or not the minimum requirements of a cumulative 67% completion rate and cumulative 2.0 GPA can be achieved within two (2) semesters.

Tips for Achieving and Maintaining Satisfactory Academic Progress

  1. Do not take on more classes than you can handle. The classes in which you are registered on the first day of classes are your attempted hours. Any withdrawals from this point on count as hours attempted but not completed.
  2. Follow your curriculum carefully. Taking classes outside of your major will count against your maximum time frame to complete your degree program.
  3. Be cautious about changing majors. The time frame to complete your program is cumulative and may not start over with a new program.
  4. Be aware that any prerequisites you have taken prior to being accepted into a new program will count towards the maximum time frame to complete the program enrolled in.
  5. Be aware that classes that are dropped after the “last day to drop” will count as both an “F” and as hours attempted but not completed.

Appeal for Financial Aid Purposes – A student who has become ineligible for financial aid has the right to appeal. The appeal must be submitted in writing along with supporting documentation to the Financial Aid Appeals Committee. An appeal may be considered based on circumstances involving but not limited to an extended illness or hospitalization of the student, an accident that incapacitates the student for an extended period of time, or death or extended illness of an immediate family member resulting in significant responsibilities for the student.

A student cannot appeal a semester that has been approved previously. Submission of an appeal does not guarantee approval. The student will be notified in writing of the committee’s decision regarding approval or denial of the appeal. During the time in which the appeal is being reviewed, the student is responsible for all semester tuition expenses. A student whose appeal is approved may continue to receive financial aid for the semester. The student is notified in writing of the probationary status. At the end of the semester in which the student is on probation, he or she is expected to be making satisfactory progress or be successfully following an academic plan designed to make sure the student will be able to meet satisfactory standards by a specific semester or period of enrollment. If a student fails to meet the conditions of the probationary period, all federal and state financial aid (grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study) will be terminated.

A student whose aid has been terminated may continue enrollment at the College without the benefit of federal or state financial aid.