Undergraduate Standards of Satisfactory Academic Progress
Herzing University has established standards for measuring satisfactory academic progress (SAP) that are used for establishing eligibility for federal financial aid. Because these standards are a valid indicator of successful progress towards graduation, they apply to all undergraduate students at Herzing University (part-time and full-time students) including students enrolled in the High School Dual Enrollment program, not just to those receiving financial assistance. SAP is a cumulative measurement which includes a qualitative and quantitative component. The qualitative component is determined by calculating the student’s program grade point average (PGPA) and the quantitative component is determined by calculating the student’s rate of progression toward completion of the academic program (pace). All periods of a student’s enrollment at Herzing University are used in determining SAP where an enrollment is defined as the current program of study. A student must meet both the qualitative and quantitative SAP standard to be considered in good standing. For students in credit hour degree programs, the evaluation of SAP will occur at the end of each semester. Students in a clock hour program will have SAP evaluated at the end of each payment period. Certificate programs with fewer than 24 semester credit hours will not be evaluated for SAP, however academic progress will be monitored by the Program Chair or designee.
Program Transfers
Any courses taken by the student applied from one program to another (whether the courses were successfully completed) will be counted toward program completion and the PGPA calculations. If a student chooses to transfer to a new program, Herzing University will apply all applicable credits into the new undergraduate program. If a student graduates from one program and chooses to earn another degree, Herzing University will apply all applicable credits from the program in which the student graduated into the new program. Any credits applied from one program to another will be counted toward pace for program completion and in PGPA calculations. A student not meeting satisfactory academic progress will be required to appeal in order to change programs and may be limited on the number of allowable program changes.
Qualitative Satisfactory Academic Progress Standard
An undergraduate student who has achieved a 2.0 PGPA is meeting the quantitative component of SAP, which is a “C” average and is the equivalent academic standing consistent with Herzing University’s graduation requirements. The PGPA is calculated by dividing the total quality points by the credit or clock hours attempted. In the case of repeated courses, only the highest grade is included in the PGPA. Prior learning credit such as transfer credit and exemption credit, withdrawals and incompletes are excluded from the PGPA calculation.
Quantitative Satisfactory Academic Progress Standard
An undergraduate student who reaches the pace threshold indicated in the table below is meeting SAP. The pace percentage is calculated by dividing the total credit or clock hours earned by the total credit or clock hours attempted. All credits attempted, including repeats, withdrawals and incompletes are included in credits attempted for the pace calculation except for Developmental or Audited coursework. Transfer credits or clock hours from other institutions that are applied to a student’s program at Herzing University will display on a student’s transcript as a “TR” grade and will be counted as both credit or clock hours attempted and credit or clock hours completed in the pace calculation. Exemption credits or clock hours earned by a student for successfully completing a course test out at Herzing University will display on a student’s transcript as an “EX” grade and will be counted as both hours attempted and hours completed in the pace calculation.
Maximum Timeframe
A student must be able to complete the current program without attempting more than 150% of the required credits or clock hours. Only program requirements count in the 150% timeframe calculation, therefore developmental courses are excluded. Once it has been deemed impossible to complete the program of study within 150% of the published length in the educational program, as measured in credit or clock hours, the student will be dismissed from the University and lose federal financial aid eligibility. The pace requirement has been established to ensure a student does not exceed the maximum timeframe threshold.
| Minimum Standards for Bachelor of Science Programs | ||
|---|---|---|
| Evaluation based on Credits Attempted at the end of the Semester | Minimum PGPA | Minimum Pace |
| 1-30 credit hours | 2.00 | 25% |
| 31-60 credit hours | 2.00 | 50% |
| 61+ credit hours | 2.00 | 66.67% |
| Minimum Standards for Associate of Science and Applied Science Programs | ||
|---|---|---|
| Evaluation based on Credits Attempted at the end of the Semester or Payment Period | Minimum PGPA | Minimum Pace |
| 1-15 credit hours | 2.00 | 25% |
| 16-30 credit hours | 2.00 | 50% |
| 31+ credit hours | 2.00 | 66.67% |
| Minimum Standards for Certificate and Diploma Programs | ||
|---|---|---|
| Evaluation Period | Minimum PGPA | Minimum Pace |
| End of Semester or Payment Period | 2.00 | 66.67% |
Academic Warning
When SAP is evaluated at the end of a semester or payment period, any student who fails to meet either the minimum PGPA or the Pace standards will be placed on Academic Warning for one semester. A student placed on Academic Warning will be notified of the warning status and should seek academic advisement. While on warning status, a student is eligible to remain in school and receive federal financial aid without an appeal. A student who meets the minimum PGPA and Pace standard at the end of the subsequent semester or payment period after being placed on warning will return to good academic standing.
Dismissal from the University for Lack of Satisfactory Academic Progress
A student who fails to meet the minimum PGPA and Pace standard at the end of the subsequent semester or payment period after being placed on warning will be dismissed from the University and is ineligible to receive federal financial aid unless he or she successfully appeals the determination (see Academic Appeal)
Academic Appeal
If mitigating or extenuating circumstances exist, a student may appeal a dismissal from the University by submitting an Academic Appeal Form to the appropriate academic administrator prior to the deadline stated in the dismissal notification. Valid circumstances include a serious injury or illness, death of a relative or other special circumstance. The appeal must be submitted in writing and provide an explanation of the circumstance that caused the unsatisfactory academic performance and how the student has overcome the circumstance.
The campus Academic Dean will be the chairperson of the Satisfactory Academic Progress Committee and is responsible for appointing other campus administrators to the committee. The Committee will consider all the facts of the appeal and will provide a decision within two business days. All decisions on academic appeals are final
zzNote: A student who withdraws while in good standing with the University or is withdrawn for administrative reasons while in good standing with the University (such as for having missed excessive classes) may be readmitted through a reapplication process and is not required to appeal under these provisions.
Academic Probation
If a student who has appealed a dismissal from the University is granted an appeal, the student will be placed on Academic Probation. All students on Academic Probation will be provided with an Academic Success Plan, which provides the student with strategies to return to good standing within a reasonable period of time. The student must return to good standing or meet the conditions stipulated in the Academic Success Plan in the subsequent term or face dismissal from the University. Unless otherwise specified in the Academic Success Plan, a student on Academic Probation may receive Title IV, HEA program funds.
Special Academic Standards
In addition to the Standards of Satisfactory Academic Progress, Herzing University has special academic standards for Clinical-Based Healthcare Programs and Developmental Coursework. A student who fails to meet the additional standards as indicated below, may be subject to dismissal without warning.
Clinical-Based Healthcare Programs
In clinical-based healthcare programs where the minimum passing grade for core courses is a C+ (76%), a student will be dismissed after two failures in the core courses of the program, irrespective of program grade point average (PGPA) and without previously being placed on Academic Warning. All other SAP standards also apply to students enrolled in clinical based healthcare programs. The student may appeal the dismissal (see Academic Appeal).
Developmental Courses
A student may be required to take one or more developmental courses to establish a foundation for academic success. These courses are graded on a Pass/Fail basis where the minimum satisfactory grade is a 70%. A student may only attempt each developmental course twice and will be dismissed after failing to successfully complete one or more developmental course after the second attempt. Dismissal may occur without being placed on Academic Warning. The student may appeal the dismissal (see Academic Appeal).
Graduate Standards of Satisfactory Academic Progress
The academic standards of satisfactory academic progress (SAP) apply to all graduate students at Herzing University, not just to those receiving financial assistance. SAP is determined by calculating the student’s program grade point average (PGPA) and the student’s rate of progression toward completion of the academic program (pace). All periods of a student’s enrollment at Herzing University are used in determining SAP. Satisfactory academic progress for all students is checked following the end of each semester of attendance.
Standards of Satisfactory Academic Progress
A graduate student is considered not to be making satisfactory academic progress if he or she has not achieved and maintained the minimum standard of a 3.00 PGPA (program grade point average), which is a “B” average and is the equivalent academic standing consistent with Herzing University’s graduation requirements. The evaluation of satisfactory academic progress will occur at the end of each semester starting after the student has attempted a total of 8 cumulative credits. A student who fails to meet the standards of satisfactory academic progress after one semester on Academic Warning will be dismissed from the University unless the student’s previous Academic Success Plan warrants additional time. Any student placed on Academic Warning will be given an Academic Success Plan that will outline any required tutoring, remediation, or academic plans to help the student meet satisfactory academic progress at the end of the evaluation period. If a student fails to meet the criteria of the Academic Success Plan he/she may be dismissed from the University. Students must also remain on pace to complete their program within a reasonable period of time. To calculate the pace at which a student is progressing, the number of cumulative credit hours the student has successfully completed is divided by the cumulative number of credit hours the student has attempted. Transfer credit hours are counted both as successfully completed and attempted when calculating pace.
Incompletes, withdrawals, failures, and course repetitions will be counted as attempted credit hours in the pace calculation. If a grade of incomplete “I” is issued and the “I” is not removed and replaced with the updated grade within two class weeks after the start of the next academic period, the earned grade at that time will be issued. If a course is failed it must be repeated if required for graduation. Pace is measured at the end of each semester (starting after a student has attempted a minimum of 8 semester credit hours). To remain on pace, students must meet the following minimum completion of credit hours attempted at the respective evaluation checkpoints:
| Evaluation Checkpoint | Minimum PGPA | Minimum Completion of Credits Attempted |
|---|---|---|
| End of each semester | 3.00 | 66% |
Students not remaining on pace to complete their programs within a reasonable period of time as outlined above are placed on Academic Warning for a period of one semester (unless otherwise specified in an Academic Success Plan). Students still not on pace to complete their program in a reasonable period of time at the end of a semester on Academic Warning will be dismissed from the University (unless otherwise specified in an Academic Success Plan).
Students must be able to complete their current program without attempting more than 150% of the minimum credits required for the student’s program. Once it has been deemed impossible for a student to complete their program of study within 150% of the published length in the educational program, as measured in credit or clock hours, the student will lose Title IV eligibility.
Academic Warning
Students whose program grade point average (PGPA) is less than 3.00 or whose pace of satisfactory completion is less than 66% at the end of a semester are placed on Academic Warning for a period of one semester (unless otherwise specified in an Academic Success Plan). Students on Academic Warning who improve their PGPA to at least 3.00 and attain the minimum 66% cumulative completion rate by the end of the semester of Academic Warning are removed from Academic Warning. A student on Academic Warning may continue to receive assistance under Title IV, HEA programs for one semester (unless otherwise specified in an Academic Success Plan).
Dismissal from the University for Lack of Satisfactory Academic Progress
A student will be dismissed from the University for lack of satisfactory academic progress in the following circumstances (unless otherwise specified in an Academic Success Plan):
- The student did not increase his or her PGPA to at least 3.00 by the end of one semester on Academic Warning.
- The student did not meet the 66% pace requirement by the end of one semester on Academic Warning.
Academic Appeal
If mitigating or extenuating circumstances exist, a student may appeal a dismissal from the University by submitting an Academic Appeal Form to the appropriate academic administrator prior to the deadline stated in the dismissal notification. Valid circumstances include a serious injury or illness, death of a relative or other special circumstances. The appeal must be submitted in writing and provide an explanation of the circumstance that caused the unsatisfactory academic performance and how the student has overcome the circumstance.
The campus Academic Dean will be the chairperson of the Satisfactory Academic Progress Committee and is responsible for appointing other campus administrators to the committee. The Committee will consider all the facts of the appeal and will provide a decision within two business days. All decisions on academic appeals are final.
If the petition of appeal is approved, the student will be reinstated on probation, and provisions of the University’s probation policy will apply. Normally, a dismissal of a student that has been denied on appeal is final. However, in rare cases, a dismissed student may appeal again at a later date if there has been a significant change in his or her situation that would strongly indicate that they could be successful if allowed to return to the University. If the petition of appeal is approved, the student will be reinstated on probation, and provisions of the University’s probation policy will apply.
Note: A student who withdraws while in good standing with the University or is withdrawn for administrative reasons while in good standing with the University (such as for having missed excessive classes) may be readmitted through a reapplication process and is not required to appeal under these provisions.
Academic Probation
If a student who has appealed a dismissal from the University is granted an appeal, the student will be placed on Academic Probation. All students on Academic Probation will be provided with an Academic Success Plan, which provides the student with strategies to return to good standing within a reasonable period. The student must return to good standing or meet the conditions stipulated in the Academic Success Plan in the subsequent term or face dismissal from the University. Unless otherwise specified in the Academic Success Plan, a student on Academic Probation may receive Title IV, HEA program funds.
SAP for Clock Hour Programs
Students enrolled in clock hour programs are evaluated at the end of each payment period, which occurs after 450 clock hours have been attempted, using the minimum standards indicated in the Certificate and Diploma table above. A student who fails to meet the minimum PGPA and/or Pace requirement will follow the warning, dismissal and appeal processes indicated above.
Special Academic Standards
In addition to the Standards of Satisfactory Academic Progress, Herzing University has special academic standards for Clinical-Based Healthcare Programs and Developmental Coursework. A student who fails to meet the additional standards as indicated below, may be subject to dismissal without warning.
Clinical-Based Healthcare Programs
In clinical-based healthcare programs where the minimum passing grade for core courses is a C (76%), a student will be dismissed after two failures in one or more core courses of the program, irrespective of program grade point average (PGPA) and without previously being placed on Academic Warning. Two withdrawal grades* (“W”) in nursing core courses will be treated in a manner equivalent to one failed attempt when calculating the total number of failed attempts. For instance, if a nursing student receives two grades of “W” and one grade of “F,” the student will be dismissed for not meeting clinical healthcare standards. Students must pass all components of the course (class, lab, and/or clinical) in order to receive a passing grade. A nursing student who receives a single course failure will be place on Academic Warning and will receive an Academic Success Plan, which will provide the student with strategies to return to good standing by the subsequent semester. Students requesting a grade appeal must follow the standard University process. A grade appeal must be received prior to the appeal deadline in order to be considered for the subsequent semester. The Academic Success Plan may require the student to repeat courses that were previously passed in order to reintroduce and/or reinforce pre-requisite knowledge needed to successfully repeat failed courses All other SAP standards also apply to students enrolled in clinical based healthcare programs. Students may appeal the dismissal due to course failures (see Academic Appeal process).
*Excludes “W” grades that are due to extenuating circumstances and approved by the Nursing Program Chair or designated academic administrator
Developmental Course Standard
A student may be required to take one or more developmental courses to establish a foundation for academic success. These courses are graded on a Pass/Fail basis where the minimum satisfactory grade is a 70%. A student may only attempt each developmental course twice and will be dismissed after failing to successfully complete one or more developmental course after the second attempt. Dismissal may occur without being placed on Academic Warning. The student may appeal the dismissal (see Academic Appeal).
Graduate Standards of Satisfactory Academic Progress
Herzing University has established academic standards of satisfactory academic progress (SAP) that apply to all graduate students at Herzing University, not just to those receiving financial assistance. SAP is determined by calculating the student’s program grade point average (PGPA) and the student’s rate of progression toward completion of the academic program (pace). All periods of a student’s enrollment at Herzing University are used in determining SAP. Satisfactory academic progress for all students is checked following the end of each semester of attendance.
Standards of Satisfactory Academic Progress
A graduate student is making satisfactory academic progress if he or she has achieved and maintained the minimum standard of a 3.00 PGPA (program grade point average), which is a “B” average and is the equivalent academic standing consistent with Herzing University’s graduation requirements and a minimum pace threshold of 66.67%. To calculate the pace at which a student is progressing, the number of cumulative credit hours the student has successfully completed is divided by the cumulative number of credit hours the student has attempted. Transfer hours are counted both as successfully completed and attempted when calculating pace. Incompletes, withdrawals, failures, and course repetitions will be counted as attempted credit hours in the pace calculation. If a grade of incomplete “I” is issued and the “I” is not removed and replaced with the updated grade within two class weeks after the start of the next academic period, the earned grade at that time will be issued. If a course is failed it must be repeated if required for graduation. The evaluation of satisfactory academic progress will occur at the end of each semester.
| Evaluation Checkpoint | Minimum PGPA | Minimum Completion of Credits Attempted |
|---|---|---|
| End of each semester | 3.00 | 66.67% |
Program Transfers
If a student chooses to transfer programs, Herzing University will apply all course attempts from the previous program to the new program Any courses taken by the student applied from program to another (whether or not the courses were successfully completed) will be used in the PGPA calculation and will be counted in the Pace towards completion..
Maximum Timeframe for Completion
Students must be able to complete their current program without attempting more than 150% of the minimum credits required for the student’s program. Once it has been deemed impossible for a student to complete their program of study within 150% of the published length in the educational program, as measured in credit or clock hours, the student will lose Title IV eligibility and be dismissed from Herzing University.
Academic Warning
Students whose program grade point average (PGPA) is less than 3.00 or whose pace of satisfactory completion is less than 66.67% at the end of a semester are placed on Academic Warning for a period of one semester (unless otherwise specified in an Academic Success Plan). Students on Academic Warning who improve their PGPA to at least 3.00 and attain the minimum 66.67% cumulative completion rate by the end of the semester of Academic Warning are removed from Academic Warning. A student on Academic Warning may continue to receive assistance under Title IV, HEA programs for one semester (unless otherwise specified in an Academic Success Plan).
Dismissal from the University for Lack of Satisfactory Academic Progress
A student will be dismissed from the University for lack of satisfactory academic progress in the following circumstances (unless otherwise specified in an Academic Success Plan):
- The student did not increase his or her PGPA to at least 3.00 by the end of one semester on Academic Warning.
- The student did not meet the 66.67% pace requirement by the end of one semester on Academic Warning.
Academic Appeal
If mitigating or extenuating circumstances exist, a student may appeal a dismissal from the University by submitting an Academic Appeal Form to the appropriate academic administrator prior to the deadline stated in the dismissal notification. Valid circumstances include a serious injury or illness, death of a relative or other special circumstance. The appeal must be submitted in writing and provide an explanation of the circumstance that caused the unsatisfactory academic performance and how the student has overcome the circumstance. The Satisfactory Academic Review Committee will consider all the facts of the appeal and will provide a decision within two business days. All decisions on academic appeals are final. If the petition of appeal is approved, the student will be reinstated on probation, and provisions of the University’s probation policy will apply. An approved academic appeal is valid for reinstatement for two semesters following the approval date, unless otherwise stated by the Academic Dean. A student who attempts to return more than two semesters after the appeal was approved, may be required to re-appeal. Normally, a dismissal of a student that has been denied on appeal is final. However, in rare cases, a dismissed student may appeal again at a later date if there has been a significant change in his or her situation that would strongly indicate that they could be successful if allowed to return to the University. If the petition of appeal is approved, the student will be reinstated on probation, and provisions of the University’s probation policy will apply.
Note: A student who withdraws while in good standing with the University or is withdrawn for administrative reasons while in good standing with the University (such as for having missed excessive classes) may be readmitted through a reapplication process and is not required to appeal under these provisions.
Academic Probation
If a student who has appealed their dismissal from the University is granted his or her appeal, the student will be reinstated to the University and will be placed on Academic Probation. If a student is placed on Academic Probation the student must meet the conditions stipulated in the Academic Success Plan for the Academic Probation or face dismissal from the University. Unless otherwise specified in the Academic Success Plan, a student on Academic Probation may receive Title IV, HEA program funds.
Additional Academic Standards for Nursing Programs
Nursing students may not repeat any nursing course more than once. Failing two nursing courses will result in dismissal from the program, even if the student is meeting the minimum SAP requirements outlined above. If mitigating or extenuating circumstances exist, a student may appeal a dismissal from the University using the SAP Appeal process above.