Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Policy
Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Policy
Policy Effective Date: March 2025Â
Applies To: All degree-seeking students (Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral)
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Policy Overview
Eldermont University is committed to student success through a flexible, self-paced academic model grounded in faith-based values and academic integrity. To maintain degree eligibility, students must demonstrate ongoing engagement and completion of academic milestones in accordance with the university’s Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards.
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1. Qualitative Standard
Students must demonstrate satisfactory performance in all required coursework:
• PLA Credit: Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) credit is awarded on a Pass/No Credit (P/NC) basis. PLA is applied toward the appropriate course-level credit and does not affect a student’s Grade Point Average (GPA).
• Research Courses: Students must earn a grade of A, B, or C in Research I–IV and their final thesis or dissertation course to remain in good standing.
• Revisions: Students may resubmit unsatisfactory work until it meets required standards. However, students must adhere to timelines outlined in the quantitative standard below to avoid academic warning or dismissal.
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2. Quantitative Standard
To maintain SAP, students must demonstrate academic activity and degree progress within the following timeframes:
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Program Completion Guidelines
• Bachelor’s Degree: Must be completed within 2 years of enrollment.
• Master’s Degree: Must be completed within 2 years of enrollment.
• Doctoral Degree: Must be completed within 3 years of enrollment.
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Note: Students may apply for a formal extension with supporting documentation prior to exceeding the standard timeframe.
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Minimum Academic Activity Requirement
Students must demonstrate progress by completing at least one major academic milestone every 6 months, such as:
• Submission of a Research course (Research I–IV)
• Approval of PLA portfolio
• Final submission of thesis/dissertation
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3. Academic Standing & Monitoring
Eldermont University reviews academic progress on a quarterly basis.
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Good Standing
Student has completed at least one academic milestone in the past 6 months and remains on track to graduate within the maximum allowable time.
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Academic Concern
No academic milestone has been completed in 6 months. Student will receive a courtesy reminder email and encouragement to schedule a check-in.
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Academic Warning
No academic milestone has been completed in 9 months. Student must submit a written plan for re-engagement within 30 days to avoid further action.
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Academic Dismissal
No academic milestone has been completed in 12 months and no plan for continuation has been submitted. Student may be administratively withdrawn from the program.
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4. Appeals Process
Students may appeal an Academic Dismissal by submitting a SAP Appeal Form with an explanation of extenuating circumstances, such as:
• Serious personal or family illness
• Natural disaster or life disruption
• Other extraordinary hardship
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Appeals will be reviewed by the Academic Committee. If approved, students may be reactivated with a revised timeline and academic plan.
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5. Support & Guidance
Eldermont University is committed to helping students succeed. Students in Academic Concern or Warning status may request:
• Writing and research mentoring
• Goal-setting sessions with an academic advisor
• Study planning tools or extension counseling
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Student Acknowledgment
By enrolling at Eldermont University, students agree to abide by the SAP policy and maintain active engagement toward their degree. Students are encouraged to reach out proactively if they encounter delays or need support in completing their work.