Regaining Eligibility
If a student's financial aid eligibility has been affected because they are not meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards, they may submit an appeal to request reinstatement of their financial aid eligibility.
Students may also choose to pay for their education independently and meet the academic progress standards outlined in the charts above to regain eligibility for a future term.
Students who have exceeded the maximum timeframe for financial aid must submit an appeal to regain financial aid eligibility.
First-Level SAP Appeal
Students who do not meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards may submit a first-level appeal to request reinstatement of their financial aid eligibility. The appeal provides students an opportunity to explain the circumstances that affected their academic progress, what has changed, and the steps they have taken to support their future academic success.
SAP appeals are reviewed within 30 days of receipt. Students should carefully follow the instructions provided on the appeal and submit all requested information and supporting documentation, if applicable.
If you need help completing your SAP appeal or have questions about the process, Financial Aid staff are available to assist you.
How to Submit an Online SAP Appeal
- Log in to MyVCCCD.edu.
- Under Tools, select Financial Aid.
- Click Financial Aid Dashboard.
- Create an Online Financial Aid Account if you have not already completed the one-time setup.
- In the SAP Appeal section, select SAP Appeal and complete the web form for the appropriate term.
Hard-copy appeals are also accepted. Please contact the Financial Aid Office for assistance or additional information.
Explanation of Circumstances
When completing the Explanation of Circumstances section, be sure to answer all questions thoroughly and upload any required supporting documentation. Examples of extenuating circumstances may include, but are not limited to:
- Death of a relative or other significant person
- Injury or illness, including behavioral health conditions, of the student or a relative or significant person
- Pregnancy, birth, or adoption of a child
- Homelessness or difficulty securing stable housing
- Loss of, limited, or difficulty obtaining childcare
- Loss or change in employment
- Loss of, limited, or unreliable access to transportation
- Being a victim of a serious crime, including domestic abuse, even if not reported or prosecuted
- Impacts related to a natural disaster
- Change of major or academic program
Resolution of Circumstances
In the Resolution of Circumstances section, students must explain what has changed and how they will be able to meet SAP standards at the next evaluation. This may include actions such as meeting with an academic counselor, participating in tutoring or support services, completing academic assessments, or adjusting course enrollment to better manage academic responsibilities.
Providing clear information about the steps taken to address prior challenges helps demonstrate the student's readiness to make academic progress and supports a thorough review of the appeal.
Comprehensive Student Educational Plan (SEP)
Students who have lost financial aid eligibility or exceeded the maximum timeframe are required to meet with an academic counselor to develop a comprehensive Student Educational Plan (SEP) for an eligible program of study.
The SEP outlines the courses the student must complete and establishes a clear academic plan designed to help the student return to meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards within a specific timeframe or by program completion.
Second-Level SAP Appeal
If a student's first-level SAP appeal is denied, the student may request a second-level review by submitting a Second-Level SAP Appeal.
The second-level appeal provides the student an opportunity to:
- Request reconsideration of the original appeal and supporting information;
- Clarify or further explain information provided in the first-level appeal;
- Provide additional information about circumstances that affected academic progress;
- Explain what has changed or the steps taken to support future academic success; and/or
- Submit additional supporting documentation, if available.
Students do not need to resubmit their first-level appeal or documentation already provided. The original appeal and supporting information will be included as part of the second-level review.
The second-level appeal will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by a reviewer who did not participate in the initial appeal decision.
Please allow approximately 2–3 weeks from the date the second-level appeal is submitted for the review to be completed. Students will receive the decision by email.
How to Submit an Online Second-Level SAP Appeal
- Log in to MyVCCCD.edu.
- Under Tools, select Financial Aid.
- Click Financial Aid Dashboard.
- Access your Online Financial Aid Account.
- In the SAP Appeal section, select the Second-Level SAP Appeal for the appropriate term.
- Complete the web form and provide any additional information, clarification, and/or supporting documentation you would like the second-level reviewer to consider.
Submission of a second-level appeal does not guarantee approval or reinstatement of financial aid eligibility.
Students may submit only one first-level SAP appeal and one second-level SAP appeal per semester.
