Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Appeal Process

Although federal regulations do not mandate institutions to offer an appeal process, Mercy University has established a Title IV SAP appeal process. Students who have unforeseen extenuating circumstances that prevented them from making SAP may submit an appeal in writing to the SAP Appeals Committee no later than 10 days from the date the notice of failure to make SAP was provided. Appeals received after this date may not be considered.

A student may initiate the SAP appeal process by preparing and submitting a written Title IV SAP appeal with all substantiating documentation to his PACT or COP mentor.

The appeal must include:

1. A detailed explanation regarding:
   • Why the student failed to make SAP (examples of appeal worthy circumstances are: serious physical or mental illness of the student, serious physical or mental illness of a student's immediate family member, death of a student's immediate family member and other extreme circumstances);
   • what has changed that will allow the student to make SAP at the next evaluation;
   • any substantiating documentation, if applicable (e.g. medical records or death certificates).
2. A SAP Academic Plan, made in conjunction with the student's PACT or COP mentor and Student Financial Services counselor, that outlines the specific plan/corrective action to improve academic progress. The SAP Academic Plan must include only coursework that will be taken to achieve the degree or credential.

The SAP Appeals Committee will meet and review the student's submitted documentation. A determination will be made whether the students appeal will be approved or denied. All appeal decisions are final.

Students are able to submit their appeal through MercyConnect. 

Conditions of Approved Appeals / Reinstatement of Title IV funding

• In order to be considered for approval, the student must be able to achieve minimum SAP requirements prior to the next review period (the end of the subsequent spring term).
• The student's progress will be reviewed each semester as per Federal regulations. Failure to continue to meet the terms of the ongoing Academic Plan will immediately jeopardize eligibility for federal and institutional financial assistance.
• The student will not deviate from the approved SAP Academic Plan without the sign off of their PACT/COP mentor and/or Student Financial Services counselor.
• The student must be enrolled only in the course work listed on their SAP Academic Plan, meet minimum completion rates, and be making progress each semester toward all SAP requirements, as outlined in the Mercy University catalog, by the Academic Plan projected end date.
• The approval of an SAP appeal is related to the renewal of federal and institutional need based aid only. Students must meet the renewal criteria of NY State and institutional academic scholarships for their respective renewal of funding.

Appeal Denials

A student whose appeal has been denied or who has lost eligibility by not meeting the standard without appeal may regain eligibility by leaving the institution for at least one year. Upon readmittance, the student will receive assistance for the terms in the academic year of readmittance and will be subject to SAP evaluation of eligibility at the end of that year.

Students who choose to remain enrolled at Mercy University without the receipt of Title IV Federal Student Assistance may request, in writing, a review of their academic records after any term in which they are enrolled without such benefits to determine whether the appropriate standards for the degree programs in which the students are enrolled have been met. If the standards are met, eligibility is regained for subsequent terms in the academic year.

Students who choose to remain enrolled at Mercy University without the receipt of Title IV Federal Student Assistance or institutional aid are responsible for all debts owed to the University, including any fees or tuition that may have been incurred during the review process.