Academic plan

When an appeal is approved the institution creates or approves an academic plan. The plan is stored in the student’s file and its requirements are communicated in writing. At the end of each payment period the aid office and, when applicable, the academic advisor check progress against the plan. Continued eligibility depends on meeting each successive benchmark.

Example: an academic plan requires a student to complete at least 75 percent of attempted credits each term and earn a 2.5 term GPA until the cumulative pace reaches 67 percent. The student meets both conditions for two terms and is then back in overall SAP compliance. Aid continues throughout under the plan.

An academic advisor’s recommended course sequence is advisory. A degree audit shows remaining requirements for graduation. An academic plan for SAP purposes is a binding condition of continued aid eligibility and is monitored by the financial-aid office.

Treating the plan as optional guidance rather than a condition of aid. Failing to monitor the plan each term and discovering non-compliance only after aid has been disbursed. Assuming that meeting the plan once permanently restores eligibility without further checks.