Definitions
If a student becomes academically suspended from Montana State University Billings (MSUB), they will immediately lose eligibility for financial assistance. Academic reinstatement does not justify reinstatement of financial aid. (See "Appeal SAP" section)
MSU Billings defines the academic year as 30 weeks and 24 credits
When a student loses Federal Student Aid (FSA) eligibility because they have failed to make satisfactory academic progress (SAP), they may appeal on the basis of extenuating circumstances beyond their control, such as: personal injury or illness, the death of a relative, or other special circumstances. The appeal letter must explain why they failed to make satisfactory academic progress toward their degree and what has changed in their situation that will allow them to make satisfactory progress in the future. Appropriate documentation of the special circumstances should be included. The appeal must also include a Plan of Study, signed by the student’s academic advisor, listing the courses that the student will take each semester until they are again making satisfactory academic progress toward their degree
Under federal guidelines, most undergraduate students under the age of 24 are considered dependent for financial aid purposes and must provide parental information on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). However, if a student has severe or extenuating circumstances they may appeal to be considered independent, even though they do not meet any of the independent student criteria on the FAFSA. Some examples include, but are not limited to: abusive home situations, abandonment by both parents, or parents who live in a country of political or civil unrest or refugee camp. Approval of a dependency appeal does not guarantee independent status in future years.
At times, usually during the summer term, the University may cancel a class due to low enrollment. When this happens, the student’s financial aid award will be recalculated according to their new enrollments status and any over-award that occurs must be repaid.
- a student withdraws from a semester, either officially or unofficially
- a student earns less than 67% of the credits attempted, including transfer credits
- a student's cumulative MSUB GPA OR cumulative overall GPA drops below the required minimum (2.00 for undergraduates, 3.0 for graduate students)
- a student cannot complete their degree with the time limit allowed by federal law (150% of the length of your degree program, as published)