SAP Frequently Asked Questions
Meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards is important because students who fail to meet SAP will not be eligible for Title IV federal and Florida state financial aid for the following academic year. SAP standards are used to measure a student's progress to ensure that he or she is progressing toward graduation.
The quantitative measure calculates a student's progression within one academic year. Pace measures a student's progression over the course of the entire degree level.
Yes. ALL coursework taken, including, but not limited to repeated, incomplete, failed, and attempted coursework, and transfer credit is included in pace, maximum timeframe, and quantitative calculations.
No, only coursework taken after you have earned your degree is included in the SAP evaluation.
Students who are in danger of failing SAP at the mid-year review will receive an email to their NSU email address to alert them of their SAP status. Students who have failed to meet SAP at the end-of-year evaluation will receive a notification to their NSU email address.
Students may also view their academic progress status online by following the steps below:
- Login to SharkLink using your User Name and Password
- Click on the "Finances" tab and click "View Satisfactory Academic Progress"
The SAP evaluation process is run after all your grades are posted for the last semester/term in your academic year. Please review the chart below for information on your specific program.
| Academic Year | Mid-Year Review | Final Semester | SAP Evaluation |
|---|---|---|---|
| three-semester programs (Fall/Winter/Summer) |
January | summer semester | end of summer semester |
| three-semester programs (Summer/Fall/Winter) |
August/September | winter semester | end of winter semester |
| four-term programs | January | spring term | end of spring term |
| two-semester programs | January | winter semester | end of winter semester |
For missing grades, contact your faculty or instructor.
Your Mid-Year SAP Report alerts you that you are not making SAP in your program of study for the current academic year. We recommend that you contact your academic advisor to discuss strategies for meeting NSU's annual SAP requirements.
A student who has failed SAP is ineligible to receive any federal and state financial aid for the following academic year. A student may have financial aid eligibility reinstated after the next annual evaluation provided the student has successfully met all SAP requirements. Tuition and fee charges for the following academic year are the responsibility of the student.
In extenuating circumstances, students may appeal the denial of student financial assistance by submitting a completed SAP Appeal Form. For more information on the SAP Appeal process, visit the SAP Appeal and Academic Plan.