Satisfactory Academic Progress

Satisfactory academic progress (SAP) applies to students utilizing Veteran Education Benefits as defined by the Veterans Administration (VA). In order to meet SAP, students must maintain a minimum cumulative and term GPA of 2.0 and successfully complete a minimum of 66 percent of the courses attempted.  Failure to do so will result in Veteran Academic Probation (VAP) being placed on the student’s record, restricting open registrations for future terms. Not meeting SAP may eventually restrict a student’s ability to use veteran education benefits at Thomas Edison State University.

Veteran Academic Probation (VAP)

A student will be placed on a Veteran Academic Probation (VAP) if the cumulative or term GPA falls below a 2.0, or if the completion of courses attempted falls below 66 percent. The VAP restricts registration, but does not prevent the student from enrolling in a subsequent term. The VAP policy requires that the student contact the Office of Veteran Affairs at Thomas Edison State University to be advised on the steps to have the VAP removed, and briefed on the possibility of being placed on Veteran Benefit Denial (VBD) if SAP is not met while on VAP status. A student will be allowed to register while on VAP, but will be limited to one term at no more than 6 credits. If the student achieves a cumulative and term GPA of 2.0 or higher and reaches a completion percentage of 66 percent for all courses attempted, the VAP will be removed, allowing the student to register for future terms without restrictions.

Veteran Benefit Denial (VBD)

If while on a VAP, the student does not meet the minimum cumulative and term GPA of 2.0 and does not successfully complete at least 66 percent of the courses attempted for that term, the student will be placed on a Veteran Benefit Denial (VBD). This action will be reported to the VA by the University through the VA’s formal process. Once placed on VBD, the student will be denied the use of any and all VA benefits and will be responsible for payment of tuition and fees. Thomas Edison State University will not certify for veteran education benefits under any chapter while on a VBD. Students on a VBD may continue to take courses at Thomas Edison State University via alternate funding sources, such as financial aid. The VBD will be removed and upgraded to VAP when a cumulative and term GPA of 2.0 or higher and a completion percentage of 66 percent for all courses attempted is reached, allowing the student once again to utilize veteran education benefits at Thomas Edison State University. The University will retroactively certify these successful courses after the grade is posted. Students may also submit a transcript from an accredited college or university showing SAP has been achieved after the VBD was placed (e.g., student attended a community college or university after the VBD, and earned at least a 2.0 GPA and completed at least 66 percent of the courses attempted).

Appealing a Denial

A student can appeal a VBD decision through the University’s administrative appeals process. The appeal should be submitted to the Office of Veteran Affairs, and will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. The student will then be notified of the decision within 10 days of appeal.