Satisfactory Academic Progress (Undergraduate) Policy

Federal regulations require that all students who receive any federal or state financial assistance make measurable academic progress toward a degree at Bellarmine University. Progress is determined quantitatively (hours attempted versus hours earned and time frame) and qualitatively (GPA). Progress is monitored at the conclusion of the spring and summer semesters.

Most post-baccalaureate students and those seeking a second undergraduate degree or certificate should be aware that assessment of their satisfactory academic progress status will be based on criteria established for undergraduate students. Accelerated Nursing students are evaluated separately. Those students readmitted to Bellarmine will be evaluated for SAP upon registering for classes. Please refer to the information below for the correct calculation for your program.

Enrollment

A minimum standard for full-time enrollment at the undergraduate level is 12 credit hours per semester. A minimum standard for part-time enrollment (at least half-time) at the undergraduate level is 6 credit hours per semester.

Quantitative

The maximum time frame in which a student must complete his or her degree cannot exceed more than150% of the published length of the student’s major. All undergraduate majors at Bellarmine require a minimum of 120 hours to complete the degree. Bellarmine undergraduate students can therefore attempt up to 180 hours and still be eligible for aid. Once 180 hours are exceeded, eligibility for aid would be suspended. All semesters and credit hours attempted are used toward the maximum time frame allowance regardless of whether the student received financial aid. All repeated courses, failed courses, withdrawals, courses taken from a change in major and transferred hours will count as credit hours attempted toward the maximum time frame.

The Accelerated programs require an undergraduate degree plus an average of 61 hours in the specific program. Accelerated students can therefore attempt up to 280 credit hours and still be eligible for aid. Once 280 hours are exceeded, eligibility for aid would be suspended. All semesters and credit hours attempted are used toward the maximum time frame allowance regardless of whether the student received financial aid. All repeated courses, failed courses, withdrawals, courses taken from a change in major and transferred hours will count as credit hours attempted toward the maximum time frame.

Navigation

In order to complete the necessary number of credit hours to complete a degree at Bellarmine at an acceptable rate, students must complete two-thirds (2/3) of all hours attempted. All attempted hours will be totaled and multiplied by 67% (.67) to determine the number of credit hours a student must have earned. Grades of W, I, IP, NR, F and transfer hours are counted as attempted hours, however grades of W, I, IP, NR, and F will NOT count as earned hours. Retaking courses will add to the attempted total but will count only once as an earned credit.

Example:

Fall Hours Attempted Spring Hours Attempted Total Attempted Student Must Earn
 12 12  24 x .67 (2/3)  16
 9 9 18 x .67 (2/3)  12
 6 6 12 x .67 (2/3) 8

Qualitative/GPA

The minimum acceptable grade point average for undergraduate students is a 2.0 after 2 years (4 semesters).  

Notification of Results

Students that do not meet the Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements will be notified via mail within two weeks of the conclusion of the semester.

How to Regain Eligibility

Quantitative-Maximum Time Frame
To regain eligibility, you must graduate and advance to a new career level (UG to GR).

Quantitative-Hours Attempted vs. Hours Earned
To regain eligibility, take courses at your own expense in a subsequent term or terms and meet the standards according to the cumulative credit hours completion ratio outlined above under the heading Quantitative. Once you have taken the courses and earned passing grades, you will need to notify the Office of Financial Aid to complete a clearance form.

GPA
To regain eligibility, complete courses at your own expense at Bellarmine and raise your cumulative GPA to the acceptable standard. Once you have completed the course and raised you GPA, you will need to notify the Office of Financial Aid to complete a clearance form.

Right to Appeal

If there were extenuating circumstances (injury, illness, death of a relative) that prevented you from meeting the standards of our Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy, then you have a right to file an appeal with the Committee for Financial Aid Appeals. In this appeal you must explain the following items: 1.) The reasons why you did not meet Satisfactory Academic Progress and 2.) What has changed now that will allow you to make satisfactory academic progress at the next evaluation.

If your appeal is approved, you will be placed on probation for one term, and after the probationary period, you must be making satisfactory academic progress or successfully following an academic plan that has been developed for you. You will be notified via mail or email the results of your appeal.

Satisfactory Academic Progress - Graduate
Satisfactory Academic Progress - Certificate Program