Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy

This policy has been developed in accordance with federal regulations and University of Hawai'i - West O'ahu policies governing the administering of financial aid programs to ensure that recipients are making satisfactory academic progress toward their educational objectives.  The regulations apply to all students receiving federal and state financial aid funds.  A student’s total postsecondary history is considered in the determination of satisfactory academic progress.

To be eligible for federal and state aid programs, you must meet all three Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards regardless of whether you have received financial aid previously.

1. Maintenance of a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.00 or better.

2. Students must complete and pass at least 75% of all credit hours attempted at UH West O`ahu. Grades of F, W, I, NC and repeated courses count as hours attempted. Measurement of each student's completion rate will occur at the end of each spring semester.

3. Students who have attempted in excess of 180 credit hours are ineligible for financial aid.  Transfer credits are included in the total number of credit hours attempted.

Satisfactory Academic Progress will be reviewed prior to the initial awarding of financial aid and at the conclusion of each spring semester.  Students failing to meet the satisfactory academic progress policy will be considered ineligible to receive financial aid until such time as the satisfactory academic progress requirements are met.   

During the period of financial aid ineligibility, students may (unless placed on Academic Dismissal) attend UH West O'ahu without financial aid. It will be the student’s responsibility to secure other financial resources during this period.

Satisfactory Academic Appeal Process

A student who is deemed ineligible may appeal the denial of financial aid.  The appeal must be made by submitting a signed Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeal Form to the Financial Aid Office no later than the 14th week of the semester you wish to receive aid.  Submission of the Appeal form is not a guarantee of an approval and/or reinstatement of financial aid eligibility. The appeal will be reviewed on a case-by- case basis and the decision will be final.  Appeal review is based on extenuating circumstances such as illness or injury, family difficulties or unforeseen extenuating circumstances.  If the appeal is approved, financial aid eligibility will be extended for a probationary period.  The student will be advised of the action on the appeal.

Students are responsible for keeping track of their academic situation that could result in financial aid ineligibility.  It is the student’s responsibility to be aware of their status, submit an appeal and not rely on being notified by the Financial Aid Office.