The federal regulations governing the student Financial Aid program stipulate that in order to continue to be eligible for Title IV financial aid (Perkins Loans, Work-Study, Subsidized and Unsubsidized Stafford Loans), students must be making satisfactory progress towards a degree. The standard must meet a statutory qualitative and quantitative measure of progress including a maximum time frame in which the student is expected to finish the program of study.
Qualitative (Grade Point Average)
The qualitative measure requires that students maintain at least a 2.0 cumulative grade point average for continued eligibility. Courses from which the student has withdrawn or obtained an incomplete are not counted in computing the grade point average. U M Law School students will be assessed at the end of each Spring (or Summer, if attending) for continued eligibility for the Fall semester.
Quantitative (Completion Ratio)
The quantitative measure requires students to complete their educational programs within a specific period of time. The Law School has determined that full-time students enrolled in the JD program, which is a three year program, must complete the 88 degree credits in four and one-half years. Students attending on a part-time basis will have six years to complete the degree requirements.
Time Frame (Maximum semesters of attendance)
This measure allows a maximum number of semesters of attendance, regardless of whether financial aid was received, for students to earn a degree at a given degree level.
Withdrawals
Classes dropped after the official add/drop period will be used in determining the quantitative measure.
Incompletes
Incomplete courses will not be included in calculating a student’s grade point average or completion ratio until a passing grade has been earned. Students who fail to meet the standard for credit accumulation, but are able to achieve a grade within the semester, may be able to regain eligibility for that term and the following academic period.
Appeals/Probation
Students who fail to meet the satisfactory progress standard may appeal to the Financial Aid Office. Appeals must be submitted in writing at least two weeks prior to the semester for which aid is requested. The appeal will be evaluated for mitigating circumstances resulting from personal illness, injury, personal tragedy, etc., and the probability of a student improving his/her academic record. A successful appeal would result in the student being placed on probation with continued eligibility for financial aid, for a period of one year. If the student fails to meet the standard at the end of that period, then the student will lose eligibility for aid. Only one probationary period will be granted.
Reinstatement
Students who lose eligibility without an appeal or whose appeal is denied may regain eligibility by leaving the institution for one year. Students who decide to remain at the school can do so without the benefit of receiving Title IV assistance. They can request to have their academic record reviewed after a term in attendance to ascertain whether the course work taken will bring them up to the appropriate level.
