Federal regulations require BSMCON to establish and apply reasonable standards of satisfactory progress to students for the purpose of the receipt of financial assistance under the programs authorized by Title IV of the Higher Education Act. The law also requires institutions to develop written policies regarding Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP). Each institution must design criteria which outline the definition of student progress towards a degree and the consequences to the student if progress is not achieved. BSMCON students who wish to be considered for financial aid must maintain satisfactory academic progress. Satisfactory academic progress will be reviewed at the end of each semester.

Academic progress is evaluated using three criteria:

1. Grade point average (GPA),
2. Percentage of attempted courses completed, and
3. Maximum number or credits in which to complete a degree or certificate/diploma.

If you do not meet any ONE of the above three criteria, you have failed to maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress. Failure to maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress will result in termination of eligibility to receive funds from federal Title IV, state, and institutional financial aid programs.

The Appeal Process

A student whose eligibility for financial aid has been suspended may submit an appeal if mitigating circumstances prevented the student from achieving Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP). Circumstances that may be considered include death in the family, accident, illness, or other academic performance factors that were outside the student's control. If a student feels he/she violated BSMCON's SAP standards due to one of these or other factors, the student may submit a SAP Appeal Form to the Office of Financial Aid.

Appeal Decisions

Appeal decisions are based on the information presented on the appeal form and the SAP criteria; therefore, it is important that the appeal contain as much supporting information and documentation as possible. Lack of supporting documentation is grounds for denial of the appeal. If the appeal is denied due to lack of documentation, the student may resubmit the appeal with the appropriate documentation. Appeal decisions will fall into one of the following categories:

1. Pending – additional information is needed to make a decision
2. Denied – student is not eligible to receive financial aid
3. Approved – student enters into a SAP contract which details the academic performance required in future semesters for continued receipt of financial aid

PLEASE NOTE: Bon Secours Memorial College of Nursing will not approve consecutive appeals. If a student violates the terms of his/her financial aid reinstatement and fails to achieve SAP, a second appeal approval will not be granted for ANY reason.