Satisfactory Progress

The measurement of student satisfactory academic progress towards certificate, diploma, or degree achievement is an important activity at Riverland Community College. Students are expected to perform at a satisfactory level if they are to continue to be enrolled in the College or receive financial aid.

1. Qualitative:
   A student must successfully maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 each semester.
2. Quantitative:
   1. Required completion percentage: A student must successfully maintain a cumulative completion rate of 67% each semester.
   2. Maximum Time Frame: Students must complete their declared program of study within the maximum allowable credit limit of 150% of the program's prescribed credits. For example, for a 64-credit program, a student would be allowed to attempt up to 96 credits but must complete the program and graduate by the time they have reached 96 credits.
3. Evaluation Period
   Academic progress is assessed every semester. In an academic year, all summer sessions are treated as one semester for satisfactory progress purposes. One semester programs are assessed half way through the semester and again at the end of the semester.
4. Failure to Meet Standards
   1. Probation Status: If a student does not have a cumulative 2.0 grade point average and/or 67% completion rate of registered credits after a semester of enrollment, they will be placed on a probationary status for one semester. For one-semester programs, if a student is not making satisfactory progress by midterm, they may be placed on probation for the rest of the semester.
   2. Continued Probation: Students granted an appeal for reinstatement after a successful appeal request will remain on a continued probationary status as long as they achieve a 2.0 grade point average and 67% completion rate for the semesters following the granting of an appeal. The probationary status will be rescinded once the student earns a cumulative grade point average of a 2.0 or higher and a cumulative completion rate of 67% or higher.
   3. Suspension: If the student fails to meet standards during their probationary semester, they will be suspended. Students enrolled in one-semester programs may be placed on suspension if they fail to complete the program successfully. Students who attempt, but do not earn any credits during a first semester of attendance may be immediately suspended from coursework and financial aid.
   4. Maximum Time Frame: At the end of each semester, maximum time frame is evaluated. Students who exceed maximum time frame will be evaluated. Students who exceed the maximum number of credits will be suspended immediately.
   5. PSEO: Post Secondary Education Enrollment Options (PSEO) students , who are attending classes on any Riverland campus/site, will be placed on academic suspension after any semester they fall below the 2.0 grade point average or 67% completion rate standards. Students must file and be granted an appeal before they can attend classes following their suspension.
   6. Extenuating Circumstances: Extenuating circumstances affecting students' academic progress, may include but not be limited to: the death of a relative of the student, an injury or illness of the student or a relative of the student, and other extenuating circumstances beyond their control.
5. Notification:
   At the end of each semester, Academic Affairs will notify a student in writing anytime a student is put on probation or suspension. If a student is put on suspension, the notification will indicate the process by which they can appeal. The student will also be sent an appeal form along with a copy of the Satisfactory Progress Policy.
6. Appeal Process:
   If students have extenuating circumstances, which affect their academic progress, a written appeal must be made to Academic Affairs. Examples of extenuating circumstances would include but not be limited to: the death of a relative of the student; an injury or illness of the student or a relative of the student; and other special circumstances beyond their control. Written documentation of the circumstances must accompany the appeal request. Academic Affairs will review the information and give a written response to the student within 10 business days.
   1. A written appeal must be submitted on an appeal form. An appeal form is available in Student Services, Academic Affairs, or on the Riverland web page.
   2. The appeal must include an explanation of the circumstances that affected academic progress. The petition must include supporting documentation beyond the written explanation (example: doctor, counselor, or faculty letter).
   3. The appeal will be considered by the Academic Standards Review Committee which consists of: (1) Academic Dean, (2) Counselor, (3) Registrar, (4) Financial Aid Director, (5) Dean of Student Affairs, or their designees.
   4. Students may request a formal hearing if they disagree with the findings of the Committee. A student's failure to appear at the appeal shall not prevent the appeal process from proceeding as scheduled.
   5. A written decision on the appeal will be provided to the student. The decision will be final.
7. Reinstatement:
   1. Students who have met the requirements of the 2.0 cumulative grade point average and cumulative completion rate of 67% will automatically be reinstated to good standing.
   2. If an appeal is accepted, the student may return to the college and will be placed on academic and/or financial aid probation.
   3. Based on an appeal, a student may be reinstated to register for classes but still remain on suspension regarding financial aid eligibility. Students may request a formal appeal with the Financial Aid Department if they disagree with this decision.
   4. Students may be subject to reinstatement for registration purposes after a period of nonattendance for one calendar year. Financial aid reinstatement will be subject to an appeal to the Financial Aid Director.
8. Continued Probation Status: Students granted an appeal for reinstatement after a successful appeal request will remain on a continued probationary status as long as they achieve a 2.0 grade point average and 67% completion rate for the semesters following the granting of an appeal. The probationary status will be rescinded once the student earns, an accumulative grade point average of a 2.0 or higher and a cumulative completion rate of 67% or higher.
9. Additional Elements:
   1. Treatment of Grades Riverland Community College courses receiving grades of A, B, C, D, F, W (withdrawal), P (pass), NC (no-credit), I (incomplete), Z (no grade reported), are considered to be credits attempted for purposes of monitoring the financial aid Satisfactory Academic Progress standard.
   2. Academic Amnesty Repeated courses, course withdrawals, "pass" grade status, awards of "no credit", and credits overridden through the Academic Forgiveness Policy will be counted towards the maximum allowable credit limit of 150% of the program. Note?.credits overridden by the Academic Forgiveness Policy are still assessed when determining financial aid eligibility within the guidelines of the college's satisfactory progress policy.
   3. Audited Courses Any courses being audited do not count as credits attempted or credits earned and are not funded.
   4. Consortium Credits Consortium credits (when Riverland is the "home" campus) will be evaluated under these requirements. A copy of the academic transcript from the "visiting" campus is required upon completing the enrollment period.
   5. College Prep Credits College prep coursework (below the 1000 course-number level) will be included under this policy with a limit of 30 credits being allowed.
   6. Repeated Courses A limit of two course repeats will be permitted solely for the purpose of assessing student's satisfactory progress. Repeated courses will be counted towards the maximum allowable credit limit of 150% of the program of study.
   7. Transfer Credits that apply towards your program major may be included in our assessment of satisfactory progress and will be included as part of your cumulative completion rate.
   8. Withdrawals Withdrawal credits are considered "credits attempted" for the purposes of monitoring Satisfactory Academic Progress.
   9. College Transcripts A notation of suspension will be made on the student's academic transcript from the College.