Use the information below and download the tips for a quick reference guide to help you write a successful SAP appeal. You can also
refer to our video that walks through these steps.
SAP Appeal Tips
Your SAP appeal must include the following:
Why were you unable to maintain satisfactory academic progress (SAP)?
What the circumstance(s) was
How this affected your ability to complete your coursework
When the circumstance(s) occurred
How long the circumstance(s) lasted
How has your situation changed so that you are now able to meet SAP requirements moving
forward?
What steps have you taken to manage the situation.
How will these actions allow you to achieve satisfactory academic progress moving
forward.
Reflect on your situation to determine what has kept you from making satisfactory
academic progress. Identify the circumstance(s) and explain how you plan to get help.
Examples of extenuating circumstances include:
The death of an immediate family member or close relative (i.e. mother, father, grandparent,
sibling, or immediate family such as a related aunt or uncle)
A serious injury or illness (physical or mental) that required medical intervention Significant, unanticipated family obligations due to medical issue or illness
A catastrophic loss due to fire, flood, or natural disaster that affects the student’s
academic attendance or performance
An involuntary call to active military duty
An unsafe or abusive environment
Any undue hardship that prohibits the successful completion of coursework
Circumstances for which appeals may not be accepted:
Lack of knowledge/understanding of the SAP Policy or Withdrawal Policy
Medical appeals for illness/injury/hospitalization that do not coincide with the semester(s)
for which you are filing
Acclimation issues in regard to being in a university setting
If you’ve previously submitted an SAP appeal with the same extenuating circumstance(s)
and you are still not meeting SAP requirements
This may include a copy of an obituary if you experienced loss of loved one, a note
from a medical professional, photos of any damage incurred in instances of car accident,
natural disaster, etc., police reports or court documents (as appropriate), copy of
work schedule that includes hours worked, deployment information (for military affiliated
students), apartment/leasing contracts, etc.
Potential reasons for a SAP appeal:
Medical emergencies
Severe health issues
Severe personal or family problems
Financial or personal catastrophe
Death of a loved one
Return for a second degree or certificate (150% rule)*
This only applies to you if your Academic Standing Code listed at the top of your
appeal form or noted in your academic standing email is GV, WV, or RV. Students must
complete their educational program in no longer than 150% of the published length
of the educational program. If the published length of your program is 60 credits,
and you have completed 90 or more credits, then you have exceeded 150%.
Your explanation should include:
If you have already graduated and are currently seeking a second degree
If you have transferred credit hours into MCC
If you have done a program change since first enrolling at MCC (include the names
of previous programs)
