Standards for Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) applies to students utilizing Veteran Education Benefits as defined by the Veterans Administration (VA). The University’s Academic Standing policy is completely separate from the policies governing SAP for Veteran’s Benefits. A student with an Academic Standing that prohibits course registration may not register, even if SAP is acceptable for Veteran’s Benefits.

The below section details the process related to Satisfactory Academic Progress, starting with a Veteran Academic Probation and ending with a Veteran Benefit Denial. In order to move forward, please review this information and sign the Statement of Understanding. Once the form is reviewed and received, a School Certifying Official (SCO) will then work with you on developing a plan to move forward.

Step 1		Step 2
Veteran Academic Probation (VAP) A student will be placed on Veteran Academic Probation if the cumulative or term GPA falls below a 2.0, or if the completion of courses attempted falls below 66%. 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. Registration while on VAP 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% for all courses attempted, the VAP will be removed, allowing the student to register for future terms without restrictions.	If Unsuccessful... While on VAP, student does not meet the minimum cumulative and term GPA of 2.0 and does not successfully complete at least 66% of the courses attempted for that term.	Veteran Benefit Denial (VBD) A Veteran Benefit Denial 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. Registration while on 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% for all courses attempted is reached, allowing the student once again to utilize Veteran Education Benefits at Thomas Edison State University. Our office 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% 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 Military and Veteran Education, and will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. The student will then be notified of the decision within 10 days of appeal.