Warning, Suspension, and Probation (SAP)

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)

• Important SAP FAQs
• NHCC SAP Policy/Procedure (Chapter 2.9)

What is Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)? 

Federal and state laws require that students maintain satisfactory academic progress (SAP) to be eligible to attend North Hennepin Community College (NHCC) and to be able to receive financial aid. Students are expected to maintain satisfactory academic progress for each term of attendance. It is the student’s responsibility to achieve satisfactory academic progress, and students should seek assistance from the college’s many academic support services in a timely manner if they are experiencing difficulty. 

How does SAP work?

SAP is evaluated at the end of each term. It includes measurements of progress: Grade-Point Average (GPA): All students who have attempted one or more credits at NHCC are required to maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) as indicated on the following “graduated” scale. Grades of A, B, C, D, F, and FN will be included in the GPA calculation.  Completion Rate: All students are required to earn (complete successfully) a minimum of 66.67% percent of cumulative attempted credits. Maximum Time Frame: All students are expected to complete their program within an acceptable amount of time. Financial aid recipients may receive aid until they reach the maximum time frame of 150% of the required number of credits for the program of study they are pursuing. For more detailed information on how SAP works, please see SAP FAQ

Academic/Financial Aid Warning

While on academic warning, it is recommended that a student meet with an advisor or a counselor to help the student to identify specific barriers to success and learn about available resources.

Academic/Financial Aid Suspension

North Hennepin Community College and Minnesota State Board Policy 2.9 require that all students make satisfactory academic progress towards a degree, diploma or certificate to remain in good academic standing. The College also believes that students are responsible for their own academic progress and for seeking assistance when experiencing academic difficulty. However, occasionally a student’s failure to make satisfactory academic progress is due to extenuating circumstances; therefore, we have developed an appeal process for these situations.

Appeal Process:

1. Complete an Appeal for Academic/financial Suspension, which can also be found on the forms website. Follow the instructions and submit the appeal by the deadline for the semester you wish to return.
2. You will be notified via email of the appeal outcome within 7-10 business days. If it’s approved, there are certain conditions you must follow, such as meeting with an advisor before registering for classes.

If your academic suspension appeal is approved, and your financial aid suspension appeal is denied, you are responsible for full payment of your tuition and fees. If you choose not to attend, you are responsible for dropping your classes by the drop deadline.

If you wish to contest the appeal decision, you may submit a new appeal with additional documentation for further review.

Appeal Criteria

The following criteria is considered as a basis for an appeal request:

• Medical or mental health issues – A doctor’s statement on letterhead is required as documentation.
• A death in the immediate family – father, mother, child/dependent or sibling. Documentation required: death certificate or obituary notice stating your name.
• Military call for active duty – Copy of official military orders is required for documentation.
• Family/relationship issues (i.e. abusive relationship) – Legal documentation required.
• Disability issues not previously diagnosed or documented – Verified documentation must be included.
• Natural Disaster: Flood, fire or tornado – Insurance verification required.
• Loss of Job – Unemployment verification, W-2, termination letter from employer required for documentation.
• Other – extenuating or unusual circumstances that prevented you from succeeding academically, include documentation.

The following criteria are NOT considered extenuating: 

• Lack of funds
• Employment scheduling issues
• Change in marital status
• Child care issues
• Transportation issues
• Lack of knowledge about college policy
• Failure to correctly process web registration activity
• Dissatisfaction with instructor and/or course
• Failure to follow pre-requisites or placement results 

Academic/Financial Aid Probation

Students reinstated on probation (approved appeals) are required to:

• Meet with an advisor by the first day of the semester to review the terms of their appeal before registering for classes.
• Follow the credit limitations and course requirements determined by the appeal committee.
• Earn at least a 2.5 term GPA and 75% term completion rate during their probationary term.
• It is recommended to meet with your advisor during mid-terms about progress in courses so far.
• Other requirements as assigned by the committee.

Future registration at NHCC may be prevented for students who do not meet the requirements of their appeal.

Transfer Student Suspension Appeals

Minnesota State system procedure 3.4.1 states that students suspended at any Minnesota State institution are not eligible for admission to other system schools during the term of their suspension.  After you have applied for admission to NHCC, if you are denied admission based on a suspension at another Minnesota State college or university, you may appeal by submitting a Transfer Admission Appeal form.  Students appealing suspension in transfer should appeal to the institution they plan to attend, and should submit appeals by the deadline.

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