Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) appeals are intended to accommodate only documented extraordinary or unusual circumstances, that is, circumstances beyond the student's control and not merely the result of poor judgment, academic irresponsibility or difficulty adjusting to college life. If granted, the appeal becomes part of the student's financial aid record and the student is expected to make minimum progress thereafter. Please note that there are no Federal SAP appeals for students who have reached Maximum Timeframe.
Federal Appeals
Students who fail to meet the SAP Standards may be eligible to receive an appeal during their undergraduate or graduate career. Appeals are based on guidelines determined by the U.S. Department of Education and University policies.
New York State (NYS) Appeals
TAP: Students who fall below the minimum criteria under the Academic Progress or Pursuit of Program may be eligible to receive one appeal for Pursuit of Program during their undergraduate and one appeal during their graduate career. GPA or academic progress may be appealed multiple times. Appeals are based on guidelines determined by New York state and University policies.
Excelsior: Students who have a break in attendance or do not meet the minimum degree applicable credit requirements may be eligible to receive a waiver. Appeals are based on guidelines determined by New York state and University policies.
Required documentation
Documentation of circumstances by a third party will be required for both federal and state appeals in addition to meeting with a financial aid representative as part of the appeal review process. Appeals are then routed through the appropriate academic advisor and forwarded to the financial aid representative for final approval.
Steps to Appeal (Federal and NYS)
- Meet with a financial aid representative to discuss circumstances.
- If the counselor determines situation is appropriate for an appeal, student will be given an appeal form.
- Supporting documentation must be collected and attached to form to verify circumstances.
- Meet with academic advisor for academic planning. Academic advisor approval/signature on the waiver form is required in support of the student’s appeal.
- Submit appeal with attached supporting documentation to Financial Aid for final decision.
Complete appeals will be reviewed within 10 business days. Once the appeal decision is determined, the student will be notified via their Binghamton University email account.
If approved for a federal waiver, the student will be placed on “Probation” and their federal aid will be reinstated for that semester. The student is expected to meet the required SAP Standards in subsequent semesters to maintain federal financial aid eligibility.
If approved for a state waiver, NYS Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) will
be notified so the award can be processed. It may take 2-3 weeks for the student
to see the TAP or Excelsior award credit on their account. The student is expected
to meet the required standards, based on the award, in subsequent semesters to maintain
eligibility.
Please note: Appeals are not automatically accepted or approved and may be denied based on an invalid reason for the appeal and/or failure to provide appropriate documentation in a timely manner.
