Writing a successful SAP appeal

What happened - what has changed

Your satisfactory academic progress (SAP) appeal explanation must include the following:

Explain what happened

Why were you unable to maintain satisfactory progress?

Explain what has changed

What corrective measures have you taken or will you take to achieve and maintain satisfactory academic progress?

If this not your first appeal:

Your explanation statement must include information about what has changed since your last appeal.
You must also attach a Student Improvement Plan signed by your advisor.

Tips for writing your appeal explanation statement

Admit the problem

Take a hard look at your situation to determine what has kept you from making satisfactory academic progress. Perhaps you need help with time management or study skills. Admit the problem and explain how will you get that help.

Note: Lack of awareness of withdrawal policies, requirements for satisfactory academic progress or unpreparedness for college coursework will not be accepted as reasons for the purpose of an appeal.

Attach any relevant supporting documentation

This may include a doctor's statement, copy of hospital/urgent care/physician's bill, obituary, funeral notice or death certificate.

Valid reasons for an SAP appeal

Valid reasons for an appeal include:

medical emergencies
severe health issues
severe personal or family problems
financial or personal catastrophe
return for a second degree or certificate

Example of a valid explanation statement:

SAP Appeal Explanation Statement

What happened:

I was involved in a car accident on October 2, 2023. I was in the hospital for two weeks because of a broken leg. Then I needed to have physical therapy every day for six weeks. This interfered with my ability to attend classes on a regular basis. I was unable to complete the fall 2023 semester and this affected my academic progress.

What has changed:

My leg has healed and I feel confident that I am able to continue my coursework and improve my academic progress. I intend to register and repeat the coursework in the classes that I failed. I will also take the workshop offered thru the Academic Success Center called Second Chances: Success in the Repeated Course. I will also use the assignment planner on the library website to help me stay on track.

Atached is documentation verifying my accident:

A note from my doctor showing that I was under his care during the above time. The note also shows that my doctor released me to return to school on January l, 2024.
A copy of my hospital bill showing the dates of my stay.
A Statement from my physical therapist indicating my therapy schedule.

Important notes

Your appeal must be backed up by a degree worksheet or degree audit and an academic plan of work.
You must also be able to show through your GPA calculation results that meeting SAP standards and graduating from your program is an attainable goal.

For instructions and information about formulating a plan of work, degree audit or utilizing the GPA calculator, visit the Degree Works website.

Please note: The Office of Student Financial Aid is required to report incidents of sexual violence or sexual harassment disclosed through this form to the Title IX Coordinator for follow-up and possible investigation. If you have experienced any form of sexual violence and would like to speak confidentially to a counselor for support, please contact Counseling and Psychological Services.