Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeal Workshops

Dear students,

Join our upcoming workshops on Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP), the appeal process, and advice on how to submit a successful appeal. During our workshop we will cover information from what does SAP mean, what documents are necessary, tips on how to compose a strong statement, what are the do’s and don’ts, what comes next, and answer any questions you may have.

LOCATION: USU COMPUTER LAB 

WORKSHOP DATES:

Tuesday, July 2^nd, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Wednesday, July 3^rd, 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Tuesday, July 9^th, 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Wednesday, July 10^th, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Thursday, July 11^th, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 

If you cannot attend a workshop, please read the following tips for submitting a successful appeal.

What To Submit

• Signed appeal form
• Signed appeal statement
• Copies of supporting documentation (if applicable)

Writing A Strong Appeal Statement

Your personal appeal statement should address the serious circumstances that prevented you from meeting SAP.

1.      Start with a clear introduction

• Identify yourself: Include your name, student ID number, and the program you are enrolled in.
• State your purpose: Clearly indicate you are writing to appeal the decision regarding your Satisfactory Academic Progress.

2.      Explain your circumstance

• Be honest and specific: Describe the circumstances that led to your academic difficulties. (i.e., personal illness, family emergencies, or other significant disruptions.)
• Provide Details: Offer specific dates and events to paint a clear picture. Vague explanations can make your review difficult for the decision-maker.

3.      Show responsibility

• Acknowledge your role: Take responsibility for your academic performance and reflect on your mistake.
• Briefly mention any personal misjudgments or errors you made and what you learned from them.

4.      Demonstrate improvement and plan

• Explain changes: Detail any changes in your situation that will now allow you to meet academic requirements. This might include treatment for medical condition, resolving personal issues, or changes in your study habits.
• Outline your plan: Provide a clear, actionable plan for academic success. This might include meeting with a tutor, adjusting your course load, or attending counseling sessions.

5.      Include supporting evidence

• Attach relevant documents: Include any evidence that supports your claims, such as medical records, letters from professional, or academic records.
• Refer to the evidence: Mention these documents in your appeal and explain their relevance.

6.      Proofread thoroughly

• Check for errors: Ensure your statement is free from grammatical and spelling errors.
• Get Feedback: If possible, have someone else review your statement for clarity and impact.

7.      Other tips and questions to ask yourself

• Think deeper about your reasons, ask yourself ‘why?’. It’s not enough to say you failed your class because you stopped attending. Why did you stop attending? 
• Address all courses that negatively impacted your SAP status (these may have occurred in prior years).
• What was your responsibility for these events? If you were faced with the same circumstances today, what can you do better? What resources will you use to help yourself?
• What’s changed? Has the situation been resolved? Did you change your approach?
• What have you done to ensure you meet SAP in the future? Why won’t this situation occur again?
• Important: Your statement MUST be signed and dated

What’s Next?

Submit your appeal no later than July 12^th to be considered for financial aid before the fall semester begins.

• Students who submit their appeal by July 12^th will be notified of their appeal status by mid-August via CSUN email.
• Appeals submitted between July 13^th and December 17^th will be accepted and considered for the both Fall and Spring semesters. However, the appeals may be processed after the Fall 2024 semester begins.
• Appeals submitted after December 17, 2024 will be accepted and can only be considered for the Spring 2025 semester. 

The Financial Aid & Scholarships team is here to help you succeed in your academic goals.