SAP Frequently Asked Questions

• How do I submit a SAP appeal if I had extenuating circumstances?

  You may submit an appeal by following the instructions provided in the email you received.

  You will be asked to provide:

  • A full explanation of the circumstances that led to your inability to meet SAP standards. Examples of mitigating circumstances include injury, illness, the death of a relative, traumatic life events. 
  • Documentation supporting your extenuating circumstances. You may either submit documentation to UCR Financial Aid in person at the Highlander One-Stop Shop (HOSS) or via email by sending PDFs to finaid@ucr.edu.
  • Evidence that you have sought assistance from on- and off-campus resources to eliminate your deficiencies and establish a realistic plan towards graduation.
  • A comprehensive academic plan identifying the different strategies and resources you will utilize to help ensure your academic success going forward.

  Submit your appeal by the deadline specified on your suspension email (for priority consideration) and no later than the last day of the term for which you are appealing to have aid reinstated. Appeals are not considered retroactively for past quarters.

  If your appeal is approved, you will be placed on probation status and will be eligible for aid for one quarter. You will need to complete a SAP contract that stipulates the minimum academic (quantitative and qualitative) requirements you must maintain in order to remain eligible for financial aid. Your performance will be evaluated at the end of the quarter for which your appeal was approved. If you fail to meet the requirements stipulated in your SAP contract you will be allowed to appeal again the following quarter. If you are successful in meeting the requirements stipulated in your SAP contract you will retain your eligibility for federal Title IV, state and institutional aid until the next annual review period.

• How do I submit a secondary appeal if I was denied?

  If your appeal is denied, you may submit a secondary appeal. You must provide additional supporting documentation to clarify the circumstances that prevented you from maintaining SAP standards in person at the Highlander One-Stop Shop (HOSS) or via email to finaid@ucr.edu. You will be notified of the decision via email. The decision of a secondary appeal is final.

• I'm back on track. How do I reinstate?

  If you have brought yourself back into compliance with SAP standards, you must inform the SAP coordinator in our Financial Aid Office to review your progress, either in person or through email (finaid@ucr.edu). If you have exceeded the maximum time frame, you cannot reinstate your eligibility. Contact us now if you are back in compliance.

• What is a SAP contract?

  If you are on probation, it is likely you will have a SAP contract. When we evaluate your academic progress at the end of every spring payment period, you must meet all of the minimum requirements on your SAP contract in order to remain eligible for financial aid.

• I'm a grad student. How do I submit a SAP appeal?

  Complete this grad student appeal form, have your advisor approve and sign it, and return it to us. 

• How and when will I be evaluated for SAP?

  The Financial Aid Office will evaluate your Satisfactory Academic Progress annually at the end of the spring payment period. All student records are reviewed to ensure students are meeting the minimum requirements for SAP and financial aid eligibility.

• How will I know if I'm not meeting SAP standards?

  If you are flagged for SAP, you will get an email explaining the reason you were flagged, the impact on your financial aid eligibility and your options going forward.  The notification will outline the appeal process, reinstatement steps, alternative payment options and upcoming deadlines to help guide you throughout each step.  

  If you are placed on a SAP academic contract, you will receive a notification from the Financial Aid Office at the end of the term confirming if you met or failed your contract requirements.

• Where does SAP come from?

  The UCR Financial Aid Office establishes standards for Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) to measure students’ progress toward degree completion using both qualitative and quantitative methods in accordance with federal regulations. Financial aid programs affected by SAP include federal, state and institutional funds, as well as most scholarship opportunities.

• How does SAP affect Federal Work-Study?

  If you have been awarded Federal Work-Study and have been flagged for SAP, you are no longer eligible to participate in the Federal Work-Study program. You must self-report your status by notifying your employer that you are no longer eligible to work under the Federal Work-Study program.

• What do I do if I lose my financial aid?

  If you lose your aid, you do have a way back through the reinstatement process. Please see “I’m back on track. How do I reinstate?” above for details on how to reinstate your financial aid eligibility.

  Alternative private loans are available for students who do not have resources to fund their educational expenses. You should allow at least two to three weeks for processing, if you are approved. Additional information on the alternative private loan details and application process can be found in the loan section of our website.

  The Deferred Payment Plan may also be an option in your case if you can afford monthly payments during the term. Learn more about the process at the Student Business Services website.

• How do I make sure I graduate in four years?

  To earn your degree in four years or less, you must register for at least 15 units per quarter.

Special Circumstances

See  how certain units impact your pace, GPA and more: