Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)

← Back to Advising Information
→ FAQ

Academic Suspension, Probation, and Dismissal

Academic suspension and dismissal is a difficult process to go through, and we hope our students never go through it; however, if you do find yourself in this situation, we want to walk through the process with you. We are here to provide support and information to help you make the best choices for your future.

To be eligible for financial aid and enrollment at NU, students must meet a set of academic benchmarks set by the government:

  • 2.0 cumulative GPA
  • Completion of at least 67% of attempted credits

Students who don’t meet these benchmarks may be subject to suspension, probation, and/or dismissal. Every June, students who don’t meet these benchmarks are placed on Academic Suspension and cannot continue enrollment. Students are notified via letter and email from Student Financial Services.

Students may appeal the suspension if there are extenuating circumstances that caused their unsatisfactory academic performance by completing the Suspension Appeal Form and sending it to Student Financial Services. If the appeal is approved, students are allowed to enroll on Academic Probation and have one semester to bring their GPA and/or course completion rate back into SAP compliance. As part of their probation requirements, students are required to agree to an SAP Recovery Plan and meet with an Academic Advisor throughout the semester. If they return to SAP compliance, their academic standing will be restored.

If the appeal is denied, students have the option to appeal directly to the Provost. Students whose appeal is denied are placed on Academic Dismissal from NU. Students may appeal to the Provost for reinstatement after at least one semester and should show they have reevaluated their academic plans and/or have improved their academic skills by studying at another school.

How to Determine If You Are Meeting SAP Requirements

To determine your cumulative GPA and your course completion rate, you should open your Unofficial Transcript in Self-Service.

2.0 Cumulative GPA: Your Unofficial Transcript will show your current cumulative GPA. View the GPA Calculations page to determine how your current semester grades will impact your GPA.

67% Completion Rate: Completion rate is determined by: Earned Credits ÷ Attempted Credits. Scroll to the bottom of your Unofficial Transcript to view these two numbers.

Terms

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP): A set of benchmarks, set by the federal government, as baselines for continued enrollment at a university that accepts federal student aid like NU. These benchmarks are: 1) a 2.0 cumulative GPA, and 2) completion of at least 67% attempted credits.

Academic Suspension: Academic status where students have not met SAP benchmarks and may not continue enrollment without an approved SAP appeal.

Academic Probation: Academic status where students who are placed on Academic Suspension are approved to continue enrollment provided they:

  • Return to SAP compliance within one semester
  • Follow the terms of an SAP Recovery Plan, including regular meetings with an Academic Advisor.

Academic Dismissal: Academic status where students who have not met SAP benchmarks and whose appeals are denied are not allowed to continue enrollment.

Reinstatement: Process of permitting students who are dismissed to return to NU after studying at another school (typically a community college) and demonstrate the following:

  • Completed a full course load (15 quarter or 12 semester credits).
  • Completed at least 67% of credits.
  • Earned at least a 2.5 GPA.
  • All grades are a C- or higher.

Forms

Please wait a moment...