Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy

Each student enrolled in an eligible program and receiving financial aid is expected to make satisfactory academic progress toward completion requirements for the program. At the end of the semester, the student’s cumulative grade point average is computed. This measure of progress toward graduation is indicated on the student’s semester grade report and is reviewed by the college.

To be in satisfactory academic standing, a student must maintain at least a 2.0 cumulative grade point average related to the number of credit hours attempted. When the student’s GPA is computed, all courses attempted at Johnston Community College are included in the total hours attempted except remedial, WD, I, NA, CR, AU, and repeated course work (lower grade).

In addition, a student must pass at least 67 percent of the credit hours attempted each semester. At the end of each semester, the student's cumulative 67 percent is computed. All courses attempted are included in the 67 percent calculation except remedial. This includes A, B, C, D, F, I, WF, WD, CR, AU, NA, I, repeated courses, high school courses, and transfer credits.

Financial aid students who have been on academic probation for at least two consecutive semesters and are not in satisfactory academic standing will be terminated from receiving financial aid.

The time frame for a student to complete his or her program of study cannot exceed 150 percent of the published length of the program. This 150 percent limit will be measured by all attempted credit hours. Transfer credits are included in the 150 percent calculation; however, remedial courses are not included. There is no academic probation period for the 150 percent rule. For example, if a program has 121 credit hours, the student may only attempt 181.5 credit hours before becoming ineligible to receive Title IV funds.

Other

Johnston Community College’s Forgiveness Policy does not apply for financial aid purposes.
Financial aid (Title IV) will be limited to 30 credit hours of developmental courses.
No financial aid (Title IV) will be awarded for AU (Audit) grades and NA (Never Attends).
Once financial aid is terminated, students become ineligible for aid until their progress is again satisfactory. It is the responsibility of the student to notify the Financial Aid Office when this has been accomplished.
A student who has become ineligible for financial aid has the opportunity to appeal. Appeals generally given consideration involve students who have experienced: (a) extended illness or hospitalization of the student, (b) an accident which incapacitates the student for an extended period of time, and (c) death or extended illness of an immediate family member which results in greater family responsibilities for the student. The appeal must be in writing and submitted along with proper documentation to the Financial Aid Office. If the student disagrees with the decision, he/she may appeal in writing to the vice president of student services.

Verification Policy

The college verifies all eligible applicants selected by the Department of Education.
The Financial Aid Officer completes verification at the time the student’s award is made.
Financial aid awards are not disbursed until verification is complete.

Return of Title IV Funds (R2T4) Policy

If a student completely withdraws from all classes prior to the 60% point of the semester, he or she is required by federal regulations to repay the funds for the time he or she has not attended class. This overpayment may be a combination of tuition, fees or books charged to his or her account, and/or direct payment made to the student. Failure to make payment will result in the student being reported to the Department of Education and/or a collection agency. This action will also interrupt future financial aid awards. The student will not be able to register for classes, receive transcripts, or grade reports. To owe no funds, the student must attend at least one class on or after the 60% point of the semester.