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Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeal

A student who does not meet the Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) policy is considered ineligible for financial aid. However, UC Merced allows a student to appeal their financial aid ineligibility if they have special circumstances that prevented them from meeting SAP. Special circumstances include but are not limited to:

  • Death of a relative or other significant person
  • Injury or illness, including, but not limited to, behavioral health conditions, of the student or a relative or other significant person
  • Pregnancy or birth of a child
  • Homelessness
  • Loss of childcare
  • Loss or change in employment
  • Loss of access to personal or public transportation
  • Being a victim of a serious crime, including,but not limited to, domestic abuse, even if the crime was not reported or did not result in criminal prosecution or civil liability
  • Change of major
  • Family problems
  • Inability to access support services
  • Change in financial status

Submitting an Appeal

A complete SAP Appeal includes a statement,a plan for improvement, and supporting documentation. The appeal is available online at finaidapps.ucmerced.edu and paper copies are available upon request. Instructions for completing the appeal are sent to all students who do not meet the SAP policy. Appeals may be submitted in any term after a student does not meet SAP. Appeals can be submitted online or in person at the Financial Aid Office..

Explanation

Provide a detailed statement (250 words or less) that explains how the special circumstances prevented you from meeting the SAP policy. 

Plan for Improvement

Provide a plan (250 words or less) that explains the strategies you will use to help you be successful in future semesters. 

Documentation

Supporting documentation for special circumstances is required. This may include letters from medical providers, degree or academic planning materials from a college advisor, or supporting statements from other on-campus support services such as Student Accessibility Services. UC Merced recognizes that, in some instances, it can be unreasonable or potentially re-traumatizing to produce supporting documentation. A student who cannot reasonably produce documentation should contact our office. 

Appeal Time Frame and Notification

Students are encouraged to submit an appeal as soon as they receive notification from the financial aid office. Appeals must be submitted within the academic year in which they want financial aid eligibility restored. SAP appeals are typically reviewed within three to four weeks from the time a complete appeal is submitted. After an appeal has been reviewed, the student will be notified by email of the final decision. 

Appeal Decisions

Approved 

  • If your appeal is approved, your financial aid eligibility will be reinstated for one semester at a time within the academic year, until the OFAS re-evaluates SAP standings for all students.
  • Students with an approved appeal are required to review and accept Terms and Conditions.  Financial aid will not disburse until the Terms and Conditions are accepted.
  • The OFAS verifies academic performance at the end of every semester before extending financial aid eligibility. This process is called SAP Monitoring. Students are monitored according to their Terms and Conditions. Financial aid for the following term may be delayed until grades are "Official."
  • Students who do not meet their Terms and Conditions will lose financial aid eligibility for future terms. 
  • Some students will be required to schedule an appointment with our office and bring the following items with you: Budgeting Money Worksheet and Financial Awareness Counseling. 

Denied 

  • If a student’s appeal is denied, they have the option to request a second review by a reviewer who did not participate in the initial review. To request a second review for a denied appeal, please contact our office. 
  • Alternative funding is available for students planning on continuing at UC Merced.
  • Financial aid will only be reinstated when you are back in good academic standing according to OFAS SAP Policy. The OFAS evaluates academic standing at the end of each spring semester.