The Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) policy for SDI is designed to promote the successful completion of each student’s academic program and is aligned with specific regulatory requirements. Each student’s academic progress will be evaluated at the end of each semester using grade and pace standards. For a student to meet the standards of SAP, the student must have a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) at the end of each semester of 2.0 and demonstrate successful completion of at least 66.67% of credits taken toward the program of study. This pace is designed to ensure completion of the program within the 150% maximum time frame. If at any point, the student may not mathematically complete the program without exceeding attempting 150% of the program’s required credits, the student would not be meeting SAP.

All transfer credits that are accepted by the Institute and applied to the student’s program of study will be treated as both credits attempted and credits earned. Courses with a temporary grade of Incomplete will not be used in the SAP evaluation until a final grade is entered. All attempts for repeated course work will be treated as credits attempted and the passing grade will replace failed grades in the CGPA. Courses may not be repeated for credit if the student has already achieved a passing grade. Individual 4 or 8 week courses from which a student withdraws up to the 75% point in the course will be assigned a “W” grade and will be treated as credits attempted but not earned, impacting pace but without impact to the CGPA. Individual 5 week courses from which a student withdraws up to the 80% point in the course will be assigned a “W” grade and will be treated as credits attempted but not earned, impacting pace but without impact to the CGPA.

A student who fails to achieve the SDI SAP standards under this policy will be placed on one semester of Academic Warning. At the completion of the warning period, a student who fails to achieve standards of CGPA and/or pace and/or maximum time frame constraints is subject to dismissal and loss of funding.

SDI will notify the student of any result of an evaluation that may affect funding and/or eligibility to continue. This notification will be given within seven days of any negative determination. During the Academic Warning period, students can receive guidance to assist in attaining acceptable progression requirements and are still eligible for funding. SDI may require students to fulfill specific conditions, including modifications to course loads or registration in specific courses.

In extenuating circumstances, SDI may consider an appeal from a student who fails to achieve SAP after the Academic Warning period. Consideration of such appeal would include determination of the student’s ability to reestablish acceptable academic progress. Students appealing must file an appeal in writing to the SAP Appeals Committee at SAPAppeals@ sdi.edu, including the reason why the student failed to make satisfactory academic progress and what has changed in the student’s situation that will allow the student to demonstrate satisfactory academic progress at the next evaluation point. Upon submission of the SAP Appeal, a review will be conducted by the SDI Appeals Committee.

Students approved for the appeal will be placed on Academic Probation. The standard duration of the Academic Probation period is one semester in length. By completion of this semester, the student must have achieved a CGPA of 2.0, and demonstrated successful completion of at least 66.67% of courses taken toward the program of study and have the ability to complete the program within the 150% maximum time frame to be removed from Academic Probation status. If a student does not appeal, or if the appeal is denied, the student will not be eligible to receive financial assistance until all SAP requirements are met. If the student wishes to continue studies, alternative arrangements for paying tuition and fees must be established until SAP is once again met. If acceptable payment arrangements are not made, the student will be withdrawn.

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