Students at Kean University (Kean) in New Jersey are part of a thriving and rigorous academic community. Whether pursuing a degree in business administration, education, criminal justice, biology, or any other major, your coursework provides a strong foundation for your future career. Students often begin a semester with high hopes and the best intentions, only to discover too late that their workload is extremely challenging. Sometimes, students face unexpected extenuating circumstances that disrupt their academic work.
Students struggling with their academic performance should understand the grade point average and credit requirements for financial aid and to remain enrolled at their university.
Not all students earn the grade they want. If you find yourself struggling academically at Kean, take advantage of the university's student support services including tutoring and writing assistance. Reach out to your instructors, program coordinators, or peers for the help you need to earn the grades and credits required for your degree and major.
The Lento Law Firm can help you navigate the academic requirements and financial aid standards of progression at Kean. Our experienced attorneys can partner with you and exhaust every option to keep your education on track and minimize the disruptive impact of academic progression challenges. Contact our Education Law Team at 888-535-3686 or complete a confidential consultation form to discuss your case.
Federal Financial Aid and Satisfactory Academic Progress Standards
Kean's Academic Progress Policy complies with federal and state financial aid regulations. These rules demand that financial aid recipients be in good academic standing and make progress toward their degree. A student's failure to meet satisfactory academic progression (SAP) standards may result in the loss of financial aid.
Good academic standing is the qualitative requirement that an undergraduate student must earn a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0.
Academic progression is the quantitative requirement that a student must be on pace to complete their degree in an appropriate period of time. Kean students may not take more than 1.5 times (or 150%) of the average number of required credit hours to complete their program. For example, if a student's program requires 120 credit hours to fulfill the degree requirement, the student must complete their degree in no more than 180 credit hours.
SAP Procedures at Kean University
At the end of each Spring semester, Kean reviews the record of every student receiving financial aid for compliance with the SAP requirements. Kean notifies students who fail to meet SAP standards, and these students may file an appeal with the Office of Financial Aid. A standing committee reviews student appeals.
SAP Appeal Process
Students have the right to appeal a decision of ineligibility for financial aid based on their failure to meet SAP standards. An appeal must identify an extenuating or unforeseen circumstance, such as an illness or family emergency, which affected the student's academic performance. Unfortunately, a student's financial need or lack of knowledge about the SAP standards are not acceptable grounds for an appeal.
If a student has exceeded the maximum program credits or maximum period to obtain their degree, their appeal must include a statement explaining the circumstances that impacted their pace and course load. Such factors may include changing majors, pursuing a second degree, or needing to take multiple prerequisites.
Each year, Kean establishes and publishes the deadline for SAP appeals. All SAP appeals must be received by the deadline.
Results of an SAP Appeal
After review, the SAP standing committee decides on each appeal. An appeal can either be approved with academic plan conditions or denied.
Appeal Approved with Academic Plan Conditions
The SAP committee may approve an appeal if they believe the student could benefit from an academic plan to support the student and allow compliance with Kean's SAP standards.
If the SAP committee approves an appeal with an academic plan and the student agrees, the student continues to receive financial aid on a conditional basis. If a student fails to meet the conditions of their academic plan, they are not able to submit a subsequent appeal. They will be ineligible for additional federal and state aid.
Appeal Denied
The SAP committee may deny an appeal if:
- The student cannot mathematically meet grade point average or pace requirements.
- The student failed in their academic plan.
- The student's appeal is undocumented.
After a student's SAP appeal is denied, the student is ineligible to receive federal and state funding. The student is solely responsible for the costs of attending Kean.
Regaining Eligibility
A student who has lost eligibility to participate in student aid programs for reasons of academic progress can regain that eligibility by meeting the general guidelines of satisfactory academic progress through the completion of additional courses.
The Lento Law Firm Education Law Team can work with you to prepare information and evidence to prove extenuating circumstances and appeal an adverse SAP decision.
The Lento Law Firm's experienced attorneys can partner with you to address SAP concerns, strategize appeal options, and protect your path to graduation.
Academic Probation and Dismissal
Kean's 2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog outlines the university's academic standards. Students earning a cumulative grade point average of less than 2.0 are subject to academic probation. If a student is on academic probation three times, they will receive an academic dismissal from the university.
A student with an academic dismissal may appeal the decision and continue taking classes.
The Academic Standards Committee (ASC) reviews reinstatement applications. The ASC will recommend either upholding the student's dismissal or allowing reinstatement under specific conditions. The dean's office responsible for the student will make a final review and decision.
A student whose academic dismissal is upheld must wait at least one academic year before reapplying for reinstatement.
Students who are reinstated subject to conditions must meet the requirements of their reinstatement within the established time limit. A student who fails to meet the reinstatement requirements may receive another academic dismissal.
Students who receive a second academic dismissal may appeal the second dismissal. If the second appeal is not accepted and the student remains dismissed, there is no other means of reinstatement.
It is never too late to contact the Lento Law Firm. We can help you navigate the academic dismissal process, making every effort to keep you enrolled and on track for graduation.
The Lento Law Firm Can Help You Navigate Academic Progression Challenges
When you chose Kean, you intended to earn a degree to fuel your career. Don't let unexpected academic difficulties derail your education and future. We can help you manage and respond to academic progression challenges. Call the Lento Law Firm Education Law Team at 888-535-3686 or contact us online.