Satisfactory Academic Progress

Process Overview and Responsibilities

The Code of Federal Regulations, title 34, sections 668.34 requires that an institution establish, publish, and apply reasonable standards for measuring whether a student is maintaining satisfactory progress in his or her course of study in order for the student to receive financial aid under a Title IV program of the Higher Education Act. Minnesota Statute 136A.101 Subd. 10 applies this federal Satisfactory Academic Progress regulation to Minnesota financial aid programs. Bethel University applies this federal Satisfactory Academic Progress regulation to institutionally-controlled financial aid programs.

All financial aid recipients must progress at a reasonable rate (“make satisfactory progress”) toward achieving a certificate or degree. This requirement applies to all terms, whether or not the student received financial aid.

Evaluating Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress

Financial aid satisfactory academic progress evaluation begins six (6) days after the end of each term (fall, spring and summer) using three benchmarks: Qualitative Measure, Pace, and Maximum Timeframe.

Qualitative measure. Undergraduate and Bethel Seminary students must maintain a cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 2.00. Graduate School students must maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.00. All undergraduate coursework is considered when calculating the cumulative GPA for undergraduate degrees. At the graduate level, cumulative GPA is calculated separately for Graduate School doctoral programs, Graduate School non-doctoral programs, Bethel Seminary doctoral programs, and Bethel Seminary non-doctoral programs.

Pace of completion. Students must progress through their educational program at a pace that ensures they will complete the program within the maximum timeframe. The pace is calculated by dividing the cumulative number of credit hours the student has successfully completed by the cumulative number of credit hours the student has attempted (beginning January 2017 results will be rounded to the nearest percent - for example, 66.49% is rounded to 66% and 66.50 is rounded to 67%). Students must successfully complete a minimum of 67% of their cumulative attempted credits (including any transfer credits, advanced placement or College Level Examination Program credit).

Maximum timeframe. Students are expected to complete their program within the normal time for completion (122 credits for a baccalaureate degree). However, there may be special circumstances, like a program change or an illness, that would prevent students from completing their programs of study within the normal time frame.

To accommodate these special circumstances, students may continue receiving aid until they either (a) complete graduation requirements for their program of study, or (b) attempt 150% of the number of credits (including transfer credits, advanced placement or CLEP credits) required for their program of study, or (c) reach the point where they cannot earn the number of credits necessary to complete their program of study within 150% of required credits for the degree, whichever comes first.

Students become ineligible for financial aid at the time that it is determined that they are unable to complete their degree within the maximum timeframe. Transfer students who will transfer more than 50% of the credits needed for their program of study should request that only the credits that apply to their program of study are accepted by Bethel to ensure that they do not exceed the maximum timeframe prior to completing their program of study, and therefore become ineligible for financial aid.

Program of Study	Maximum Timeframe
Undergraduate Certificate	Varies (150% x ____ credits in certificate)
Associate’s Degree - CAS	61 x 1.5 = 92 semester credits
Associate’s Degree - CAPS	60 x 1.5 = 90 semester credits
Baccalaureate degree	122 x 1.5 = 183 semester credits
Graduate Certificates	Varies (150% x ____ credits in certificate)
Master of Arts - Seminary	Varies (150% x ____ credits in degree)
Master of Arts – Graduate School	Varies (150% x ____ credits in degree)
Master of Business Administration	42 x 1.5 = 63 semester credits
Master of Science Nurse-Midwifery	57 x 1.5 = 85 semester credits
Master of Science Physician Assistant	112 x 1.5 = 168 semester credits
Master of Divinity	78 x 1.5 = 117 semester credits
D.Min	48 x 1.5 = 72 semester credits
Ed.D.	61 x 1.5 = 92 semester credits
Doctor of Nursing Practice	36 x 1.5 = 54 semester credits
Doctor of Nursing Practice + M.A./MBA	71 x 1.5 = 106 semester credits

Treatment of Special Academic Course Situations

Term. The financial aid office evaluates Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) at the end of each regular semester. All terms of enrollment are counted for SAP, including terms in which a student did not receive financial aid.

- Courses taken during September School are evaluated as part of fall semester.

- Courses taken during Interim are evaluated as part of spring semester.

Remedial courses. Remedial courses are treated the same as non-remedial courses in evaluation of quality, pace and maximum timeframe. Foundations for Academic Readiness courses are considered remedial courses.

Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory (Pass/Fail) grades. Some of Bethel’s courses receive a grade of “Satisfactory (S)” or “Unsatisfactory (U).” These courses are not included in the calculation of GPA; they are counted as “attempted” credits. Courses with an “S” grade are considered “earned” credits. Courses with a “U” grade are not “earned” credits.

Beginning with the Spring 2020 semester students receiving only grades of Withdrawn (W), Satisfactory (S) or Unsatisfactory (U) will have their S/U grades included in the Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Quality evaluation. To demonstrate Satisfactory Academic Progress, students must earn grades of Satisfactory (S) in 50% or more of their attempted credits. Students who earn grades of Satisfactory (S) in less than 50% of their credits are not meeting the Satisfactory Academic Progress Quality (GPA) standard.

Students who were demonstrating financial aid Satisfactory Academic Progress prior to the Spring 2020 semester, and were enrolled for the spring 2020 semester, and whose spring 2020 courses were all graded as S/U, and who earned grades of Satisfactory (S) in less than 50% of their spring 2020 credits, will be placed on financial aid Satisfactory Academic Progress Warning for the next semester they are enrolled at Bethel.
Students whose financial aid Satisfactory Academic Progress status was Warning, Terminated or on an Academic Plan prior to the Spring 2020 semester, and were enrolled for the spring 2020 semester, and whose spring 2020 courses were all graded as S/U, and who earned grades of Satisfactory (S) in less than 50% of their spring 2020 credits, will have their financial aid terminated due to failure to demonstrate financial aid Satisfactory Academic Progress.

Students who enroll in some courses with an S/U grading system and some courses with a letter grade system (A-F) will be evaluated based on their term and cumulative Grade Point Average.

English as a Second Language courses. Bethel does not offer any ESL courses.

Consortium courses. Consortium courses involve a “home” and a “host” school. The “home” school provides the academic credit, monitors Satisfactory Academic Progress, and provides financial aid. The “host” school provides the instruction for the designated course(s).

When Bethel is the “Home” school, the credits are counted as “attempted” and “earned,” as appropriate (depending on the student’s grade in each course). All attempted credits count towards “maximum timeframe.” The Office of the Registrar maintains a list identifying whether or not the courses are included in the GPA calculation.
When Bethel is the “Host” school, the credits are not counted as either “attempted” or “earned” at Bethel. Rather, the student’s “Home” school is responsible to monitor Satisfactory Academic Progress for courses taken at Bethel under this type of consortium agreement.

Repeated courses. Repeated courses are included when determining the student's enrollment status for Title IV purposes, provided the course is not a result of (a) more than one repetition of a previously passed course, or (b) any repetition of a previously passed course due to the student failing other coursework.

Repeated courses are always included in the cumulative credits attempted and maximum timeframe calculation. They are included in the GPA and cumulative credits earned calculations provided the grade for the repeated courses, and the original course, are both included in the GPA calculation.

Audited and enrichment courses. Courses that are audited, or not eligible for academic credit, are excluded from Satisfactory Academic Progress calculations since they are ineligible for federal, state, or institutional financial aid programs.

Earned credits. For purposes of this policy, credits in which the student earns a grade of A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, C-, D+, D, or S are consider “earned” credits, and are counted as both “attempted” and “earned” in the Pace calculation.

Transfer credits. College level courses taken outside of Bethel before students received their high school diploma or G.E.D. (e.g., CLEP, PSEO, AP) are treated as transfer credits. (Postsecondary Education Options credits attempted at Bethel are treated the same as other courses taken at Bethel after receiving a high school diploma.) Transfer credits, including prior learning assessment credits are included as both “attempted” and “completed” credits when measuring Pace, and are included in the maximum timeframe calculation. All transfer credits accepted by Bethel will be used in determining when the “maximum time frame” requirement has been reached. The student may, however, appeal to have only the credits accepted toward his or her Bethel program of study included in the maximum time frame calculation.

Change of majors. If you change majors, the credits you earn under all majors will be included in the calculation of attempted, earned, and maximum timeframe credits, as well as your GPA calculation.

Dropping or Withdrawing from a course. Courses that are dropped prior to the end of the 100% refund period, and are omitted from the student's transcript, are excluded from the SAP review. When a student withdraws from a course after the 100% refund period the course is included on the transcript, and is included in the cumulative credits attempted and in the maximum timeframe. (If a student fails or receives grades of unsatisfactory (U) for all courses attempted during the term, the financial aid staff determines if the student was enrolled for the entire period or unofficially withdrew from school.)

Incompletes. Courses assigned an incomplete grade are included in the cumulative credits attempted and in the maximum timeframe. These credits cannot be counted as earned credits until a satisfactory grade is assigned. Grade changes from incomplete to another grade are reviewed as part of the next term's Satisfactory Academic Progress evaluation.

Second degree. Students may attempt up to 150% of the credits required for a subsequent program of study (183 credits for a baccalaureate degree, plus an additional 183 credits for a second baccalaureate degree). Students who already have a first baccalaureate degree are eligible for loans (not grants) if they are pursuing teacher licensure or a second degree (e.g., a student has a B.A. and is now seeking a B.S.).

Multiple majors and/or dual degree students. Students who choose to earn more than one major, or more than one degree, at the same time are subject to the maximum time limits of one degree (e.g., 183 credits for a baccalaureate degree).

Concurrent enrollment in Bethel’s schools. Students who are concurrently enrolled in more than one of Bethel’s schools may receive more than one Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress review each term. Students must be demonstrating satisfactory academic progress in every school they are attending. Failure to demonstrate satisfactory academic progress in any school will impact financial aid eligibility in all schools. For example, if as a result of not demonstrating financial aid satisfactory academic progress in the Graduate School a student’s financial aid eligibility is terminated, the student’s financial aid eligibility is also terminated at Bethel Seminary, the College of Arts & Sciences, and the College of Adult & Professional Studies.

Preparatory coursework. Students qualifying for aid under federal preparatory coursework guidelines must meet normal Satisfactory Academic Progress Pace and Quality requirements. However, since they don’t have a clearly defined program of study, and since they are allowed to borrow Direct Loans for up to one year, their Time to Completion limit is one calendar year, rather than 150% of their program of study.

Programs exempt from Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress review. Some private educational loans and employer educational benefits are available to students who are not demonstrating satisfactory academic progress. Students should check with their employer, or private educational loan provider, to see if they must be demonstrating satisfactory academic progress as a condition of receiving these funds.

Students enrolled solely in academic programs that are excluded from eligibility for federal, state and Bethel-funded financial aid are not subject to the Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress policy. For example, since no federal, state, or unfunded institutional funds are offered to Postsecondary Education Option students, they are exempt from the financial aid satisfactory academic progress review. Prior to the summer 2013 term Seminary students in the Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) program were exempt from financial aid satisfactory academic progress review because no federal or state funds were offered to D.Min. students. Beginning with the summer of 2013 D.Min. students are eligible for Title IV loans and must, therefore, meet minimum financial aid satisfactory academic progress standards.

Failure to Meet Minimum Satisfactory Academic Progress Standards

Students who are not meeting the minimum Satisfactory Academic Progress standards will be placed on Financial Aid Warning status. Following a Warning term, students who are still not meeting the minimum Satisfactory Academic Progress standards become ineligible for financial aid, and will have their financial aid eligibility terminated.

For the Spring 2020 semester only, the University made a mid-semester grading change, defaulting many courses from a letter grade (A-F) to a Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory (S/U) gradin system. Students who were on Financial Aid Warning due to low grade point average for the spring 2020 semester, and had their courses' grading system changed from letter grades to S/U grades, will continue on Financial Aid Warning for their next semester, provided they earned Satisfactory (S) grades in at least 50% of their Spring 2020 attempted credits.

Financial aid warning. (formerly referred to as financial aid probation). Financial aid warning is a status assigned to a student who fails to make financial aid satisfactory academic progress at an institution that evaluates academic progress at the end of each term. The financial aid warning status lasts for one term. If after the financial aid warning term the student is not demonstrating financial aid satisfactory academic progress, the student becomes ineligible for financial aid (financial aid terminated).

Financial aid terminated. Financial Aid Terminated is a status assigned to students who have lost their financial aid eligibility due to failure to demonstrate financial aid satisfactory academic progress. Students whose financial aid eligibility has been terminated may appeal the termination.

Appeal of Financial Aid Termination

Students who fail to meet Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress standards and lose financial aid eligibility can appeal this decision. This appeal form must be submitted to the Office of Financial Aid within 7 calendar days of the date on the notification letter or email and should be accompanied by appropriate supporting documentation

Appeals must be submitted to the Office of Financial Aid within 7 calendar days of the date on the notification letter or email. However, the final deadline for submitting an appeal is no later than four weeks prior to the end of the semester for which you wish to receive financial assistance (with all supporting documentation). Appeals will be evaluated by a cross-departmental committee. Appeals must explain why the student failed to make satisfactory academic progress, and what has changed to resolve the issue(s) that prevented the student from demonstrating satisfactory academic progress. Acceptable reasons for appeal may include injury or illness of the student, illness or death of an immediate relative of the student, or other extenuating circumstances beyond the student’s control. Students who cannot demonstrate Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress within one term will be required to submit an Academic Plan as a part of their appeal.

Financial Aid Probation (formerly referred to as financial aid probation on appeal). Financial aid probation is a status assigned to a student who has successfully appealed the termination of financial aid due to failure to demonstrate financial aid satisfactory academic progress. Students on Financial Aid Probation may receive financial aid for one term.

Financial aid academic plan probation. If it is impossible for the student to meet the minimum Satisfactory Academic Progress standards after one term, then the institution and the student may agree upon an Academic Plan to monitor the student’s academic progress for more than one term. The institution will use the Academic Plan as the benchmark for Satisfactory Academic Progress for the length of time specified in the Academic Plan. Students who fail to fulfill the requirements of the Academic Plan become ineligible for financial aid.

College of Arts & Sciences students will work with staff in the Academic Enrichment & Support Center (AESC) to develop Academic Plans.
College of Adult & Professional Studies students should contact the financial aid office for information on available resources to help in developing Academic Plans.
Graduate School students should contact the financial aid office for information on available resources to help in developing Academic Plans.
Seminary students in St. Paul will work with the Student Development Office to develop Academic Plans.
Seminary students will work with the Student Development Office to develop Academic Plans.

Student Notification

Students who are not meeting the minimum Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress standards will be notified by the financial aid office of their Warning or Termination status. Students who submit an appeal will be notified by the financial aid office of their Financial Aid Probation, Financial Aid Academic Plan Probation, or Financial Aid Termination status. Students whose financial aid status had been at a Warning, Probation, Academic Plan Probation, or Terminated status, but are meeting minimum SAP standards when reviewed, will be notified of the change in their status.

Students who graduated during the term that is being reviewed for Satisfactory Academic Progress, and are not registered for the subsequent term, will not be notified of changes in Satisfactory Academic Progress status.

Regaining Eligibility

Students whose financial aid was terminated due to lack of satisfactory academic progress may choose to enroll without benefit of financial aid. If the standards are met, financial aid eligibility is restored for subsequent terms of enrollment. Students should consult with a financial aid counselor in the Office of Financial Aid if they have any questions about this policy, the appeal process, or reinstatement of financial aid eligibility.

Interpretation and Enforcement

The Director of Financial Aid will have primary responsibility for the interpretation and enforcement of this policy.

BUILD Program Satisfactory Academic Progress Addendum

Context. The first cohort of students in the Bethel University Inclusive Learning and Development (BUILD) program enrolled for the 2015-2016 academic year, BUILD is a Comprehensive Transition Program (CTP) for students with intellectual disabilities. The BUILD certificate program is cohort based and requires two-years of full-time studies. Courses are graded as satisfactory/unsatisfactory; all course requirements must be met to earn a satisfactory grade.

BUILD students are subject to the following Satisfactory Academic Progress policies.¹

Personalized Learning Plan. Prior to the start of classes, BUILD students meet with their academic advisor, parent(s) and service providers to develop a Personalized Learning Plan. Students provide input on program focus, internship experiences and preferred elective courses. The Personalized Learning Plan includes resources and supports needed for students to be successful in their internships and electives. Through the academic year students meet regularly² with their advisors to discuss their progress in meeting program plan objectives. Progress is reviewed every semester as part of a PLP meeting.

Progress reviewed every semester. Financial aid satisfactory academic progress evaluation begins six (6) days after the end of each semester (fall, spring and summer). BUILD cohorts do not typically take courses in the summer, which means in most cases progress is reviewed after fall and spring semesters.

Satisfactory academic progress. Students are expected to pass all their courses. Failure to demonstrate satisfactory academic progress results in loss of financial aid eligibility. Students who (a) fail two or more courses per semester, or (b) fail the same content area two semesters in a row, or (c) do not complete the BUILD certificate program within four full-time semesters, lose their eligibility for financial aid in subsequent terms.³ These students, and their academic advisors, will be notified verbally and in writing of the loss of financial aid and the appeal process. Students are encouraged to meet with their academic advisor and parents/guardians prior to submitting an appeal.

Appeal loss of financial aid. Students who fail to meet Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress standards and lose financial aid eligibility can appeal this decision. The appeal must be made in writing and should be accompanied by appropriate supporting documentation.

¹Susan Bowder, presenter for the U.S. Department of Education’s June 8, 2011, Comprehensive Transition and Postsecondary Programs and Title IV Eligibility presentation training video, said: “we don't specifically require that it [CTP SAP policy] have qualitative and quantitative measurements like we do with your other [SAP] policies. However, what we're looking for is that it should be useful to students. That is, the student should be able to read it and understand what is expected of them, how and when their progress will be reviewed, what happens if they don't make progress, how they will be notified, and what recourse they would have if they lose eligibility.” (Susan Bowder, PSC-ED-FSA-TISD transcript, June 8, 2011, page 15 of 21; https://ifap.ed.gov.edgekey.net/media/podcasts/CTPnTitleIVFSAEligibility060811Transcript.doc)

^{²Regular: "meeting prior to the start of each semester, with an option to meet at midterm advising day, although the midterm meeting becomes mandatory if a student is at risk for or currently failing any classes."}

Appeals must be submitted to the Office of Financial Aid within 7 calendar days of the date on the notification letter or email. Appeals will be evaluated by a cross-departmental committee (e.g. BUILD, financial aid and academics). The written appeal must explain why the student failed or withdrew from too many courses, and what has changed to resolve the issue(s). Acceptable reasons for appeal may include injury or illness of the student, illness or death of an immediate relative of the student, or other extenuating circumstances beyond the student's control. Students and their parents/guardians will be notified of the committee's decision verbally, and in writing, no more than a week after the committee's action.

Regaining Eligibility for Financial Aid

Interpretation and Enforcement