Satisfactory Academic Progress
What is Satisfactory Academic Progress?
Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) indicates the successful completion of coursework. Students must fulfill both the GPA requirements of their credit level and percent completion as indicated below in order to be considered making satisfactory academic progress and avoid being placed on academic status (i.e., academic warning, suspension, or probation).
- All students must complete 66.667 percent of the sum of all MSUM credits attempted plus all transfer credits accepted.
- At 1 - 29 total attempted credits, a student must have a cumulative GPA of 1.8 or higher.
- At 30 - 59 total attempted credits, a student must have a cumulative GPA of 1.9 or higher.
- At 60 or more attempted credits, a student must have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher.
| Desired Semester of Return | Appeal Deadline |
|---|---|
|
Desired Semester of Return
Fall Semester |
Appeal Deadline
For summer attendees: Immediately after summer grades are posted.For prior attendees: July 1 of the same year. |
|
Desired Semester of Return
Spring Semester |
Appeal Deadline
For fall attendees: Immediately after fall grades are posted.For prior attendees: By November 1 of the preceding year. |
|
Desired Semester of Return
Summer Semester |
Appeal Deadline
For spring attendees: Immediately after spring grades are posted.For prior attendees: By April 1 of the same year. |
Frequently Asked Questions About Satisfactory Academic Progress
Students are able to determine their own academic status, by monitoring their e-services dashboard, viewing the “Holds” section of the online web registration program and/or by comparing their own progress to the standards listed above.
Students not making satisfactory progress will be placed on an academic status of warning, probation or suspension depending on their individual academic situation.
Students who are in good standing at the beginning of the term, but fall below the minimum cumulative GPA and/or cumulative completion rate at the end of the term will be placed on academic warning.
AND
Students on academic warning at the beginning of a term who do not meet the minimum cumulative GPA and/or cumulative completion rate at the end of the term will be academically suspended.
Students who are academically suspended have the right to appeal to return to MSUM. If a student's suspension appeal is granted, they will be placed on contract probation and will be given minimum semester standards that must be met and provided with ongoing professional support for achieving those standards.
Students returning from a one semester or one year suspension who are readmitted after completing their academic suspension will be placed on academic probation. They will be given minimum semester standards that must be met.
Students who do not meet the GPA and/or percent completion criteria required of their warning or probation status will be suspended. Students who are academically suspended have the right to appeal to return to MSUM.
Students who are suspended for the first time may not return to MSUM for one semester (not including summer term). Subsequent suspensions are for one calendar year.
Students who are placed on academic warning, probation and suspension are notified via official MSUM email from the Coordinator of Academic Intervention. Students are responsible for keeping their local and permanent addresses updated in their computerized records and monitoring their official university e-mail for messages.
If a student feels there are circumstances that warrant reconsideration by the Financial Aid and Academic Suspension Appeals Committee, they have the option to complete the online appeal form.
As a part of the online appeal form students will submit a word document that clearly and concisely addresses the prompts below.
- Describe your performance and the outcome of your semester(s). Include when you noticed your academic performance not going the way you wanted it to, and any proactive steps you took with instructors or other campus resources to try and change the outcome of your semester(s).
- Please describe any circumstances you felt were beyond your control and impacted your ability to perform academically. How have the circumstances been resolved or how are they being managed?
- Describe in detail what your plans are to set yourself up for success if your appeal is approved. Include what you have done or plan to do, both personally and academically, to adapt your academic habits and skills (time management, self-management, study skills, etc.)
Qualities of a successful appeal letter:
- One page in length but no more than two
- Ensure your letter is your own
- Convey points honestly
- Take responsibility for academic setbacks, as appropriate
- Demonstrate an understanding of what occurred
- Outline a clear plan for future academic success
If this is your first time appealing, or this is a subsequent appeal and you are not choosing to appear in person, this is the only contact you will have with the committee. It is important that your appeal is well thought out and well written.
The information here refers to Academic Suspension Appeals and readmission from suspension. There are separate deadlines and procedures for Financial Aid appeals and also academic appeals regarding academic policies.
To return after the completion of your suspension, the admissions form must be completed and approved. The readmission form is available on the Returning Student Admissions page. The readmission form must be submitted at least 45 days before the beginning the semester you would like to attend. You must meet with the Academic Success Center's Academic Intervention Coordinator at least 5 business days prior to the semester start.