Satisfactory academic progress - US financial aid

Monash University is required by US federal law (34CFR 668.16) to define and enforce standards of Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) to all students applying for or receiving US Federal Direct Loans.

We will review your results at the end of each semester. Failure to meet the SAP standard can result in suspension of financial aid. To meet the minimum standards you must:

• Maintain a full-time enrolment on campus
• Attain a pass grade average for each semester

For undergraduate students, the review will look at both your results and the maximum timeframe.

Maximum timeframe

Undergraduate students are able to receive aid for 150% of the allocated course timeframe. Examples of eligibility for aid in years:

• 3 year degree - 4.5 years
• 4 year degree - 6 years
• 5 year degree - 7.5 years.

If you have reached the maximum time allowed (based on 150% of the published duration of your course), your aid will cease in accordance with US federal law.

Financial aid probation and suspension

The rules for financial aid probation and suspension are:

• failure to meet the SAP standard means you will be placed on financial aid probation for six months
• while on probation, if you meet the SAP standard in the next semester, you will be placed back into good SAP standing - you can then continue to receive aid
• if you do not meet the SAP standard while on probation, your aid will be suspended until the SAP standard is achieved again.

Notification

You will be notified in writing if your financial aid is suspended. You can appeal if you have exceptional circumstances. Monash University cannot waive the SAP requirement for any student.

Appeals

You can appeal the suspension in writing if you can demonstrate one or more of the following exceptional circumstances:

• death of a family member (parent, spouse, sibling, dependent child, etc)
• extended illness (defined as a documented, chronic or recurring medical or emotional illness that causes you to be absent from class at least 15 days or more)
• extended illness of an immediate family member (parent, spouse, sibling, dependent) that places you in hardship
• exceptional circumstances as determined by the Manager, Fees Unit, Student Business Services.

You must provide the reason for failure to meet the SAP requirements and why your financial aid should not be suspended. We must receive your appeal within 10 days from when you receive Notice of Suspension. You need to attach supporting documentation (eg. death certificate, medical certificate). You will not receive financial aid while an appeal is being processed.

Send your appeal to:

Director, Student Business Services
Student Services Division
PO Box 3C
Monash University
Vic 3800
Australia

We notify you of the Director's decision, which is final.