Here's the good news if you're a student at Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU): you can't be dismissed no matter how low your grades might fall. The university provides all students with educational security. You may be required to retake courses you don't pass, but you can't be kicked out of the university over your grades.
Except.
If you receive any type of financial aid, you are subject to FGCU's Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) policy. That policy requires you to meet certain academic expectations in order to retain your aid package. Losing financial aid isn't the same as being kicked out of school, but most students find it difficult to finish college without some type of support.
If you've lost your financial aid as a result of SAP requirements, or you fear you might lose your financial aid soon, the Lento Law Firm can help. We're familiar with all of FGCU's administrative processes, including the operations of the Financial Aid Office. We understand federal government restrictions on aid, we know what's involved in meeting SAP standards and filing appeals, and we're well-versed in all types of strategies for keeping your grades high enough to avoid problems in the first place.
Whatever your situation, we're on your side. Call 888-535-3686 to find out how we can help, or take a little time now and tell us what you're facing.
The SAP Policy at Florida Gulf Coasts University
First things first: What is an SAP policy? The federal government requires SAP, or Satisfactory Academic Progress, policies at all colleges and universities. The purpose is to ensure that no one can take unfair advantage of the financial aid system. Such policies include safeguards in place to prevent individuals from signing up for classes, receiving aid, and then dropping out of school. Likewise, they set firm limits on how long individuals can continue to receive aid so no one can become a permanent student.
Schools are generally allowed to develop their own standards, but most follow a similar framework. At FGCU, there are both qualitative and quantitative requirements.
- Qualitative Requirement: First, you must maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0. Anything below that number puts your financial aid in jeopardy.
- Quantitative Requirements: In addition, you must successfully complete at least 70 percent of the courses you attempt. "W"s count against this percentage, as do "F"s. You must also complete your degree within 150 percent of the hours associated with your particular program.
If you fail to meet any of these conditions, FGCU automatically suspends your financial aid until you meet them again. It is important to remember that SAP is not the same as an academic standing policy. You can continue to take courses at FGCU whatever your grades may be. The loss of financial aid, though, can be devastating and can affect your ability to continue taking courses.
You can appeal the loss of aid, but only if you can point to specific mitigating circumstances that led to your academic deficiencies, such as a death in the family or a serious injury. You must have concrete proof of these circumstances, and, if the university grants your appeal you have just one semester of probation to improve academically.
Dealing With SAP Policies
The Lento Law Firm attorneys are skilled at filing SAP appeals. We know what the government has to say about these programs. We also know the FGCU system and how SAP is administered. We can work with you to find evidence of your extenuating circumstances, and we can help you draft the appeal itself.
You don't have to reach the point of actually losing your financial aid, though, to seek help from the Lento Law Firm. If you can keep your grades up, you can avoid this fate in the first place. Our attorneys know lots of ways you can use the system to your advantage.
- You deserve fair treatment in the classroom. If an instructor is mistreating you in any way, you should report this immediately to that instructor's department head. You may be entitled to some kind of grade adjustment.
- FGCU also maintains a grade appeal process. You always have the right to question the grade you've been given in a course.
- Some low grades are the result of academic misconduct allegations—charges of cheating, for instance, or plagiarism. However, FGCU allows you to challenge such allegations and any grade penalties you may have received.
- Low grades can sometimes be the result of undiagnosed learning disabilities. Your Lento Law Firm attorney can help you get tested and can make sure you're given proper course accommodations. In addition, such conditions can be grounds for an SAP appeal.
- One easy method of raising grades is to ask instructors for makeup or extra credit assignments. Not all instructors are receptive to these requests, but there is no penalty for asking.
- Some faculty are also willing to negotiate grades on other terms. For instance, even if you've failed a course, you might ask an instructor to pass you based on your improvement during the semester.
The attorneys at the Lento Law Firm are on your side, and they'll do whatever they can to help you earn your degree. If your grades are in trouble, if you are in danger of losing your financial aid, we can work with you to come up with practical solutions, whether that means helping you raise your GPA or drafting an SAP appeal on your behalf. We'll come up with a plan to suit your particular situation, and we'll stand beside you as you put that plan into action.
What Can the Lento Law Firm Do For You?
Your Florida Gulf Coast University diploma is far more than just a piece of paper. It's your avenue to a successful career. If it's under threat for any reason, you can't afford to try and handle the problem by yourself. University processes and procedures—especially those involving the Financial Aid Office—can be complex and difficult to navigate, and often, you will find the system is stacked against you. You need the very best help you can get, someone who is in your corner and ready to fight on your behalf.
The Lento Law Firm's Education Law Team has helped hundreds of students, just like you, respond to academic and financial aid issues and make it to graduation. What can we do for you? To find out, call us today at 888-535-3686 or use our online form.
