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 your First-Level SAP Appeal is denied, you may request a second review by submitting a Second-Level SAP Appeal.
Your first-level appeal, including your original statement and any supporting documentation you previously submitted, will be available to the second-level reviewer. You do not need to resubmit information or documentation you already provided.
A Second-Level SAP Appeal allows you to request reconsideration of your first-level appeal. You may:
- Request a review based on the information and documentation you already submitted;
- Provide an additional statement or clarification;
- Provide additional supporting documentation; or
- Provide both an additional statement and supporting documentation.
Your Second-Level SAP Appeal will be reviewed by a different reviewer who did not participate in the review or decision of your First-Level SAP Appeal.
Please allow approximately 2–3 weeks from the date your Second-Level SAP Appeal is submitted for the review to be completed. You will receive the decision by email.
The decision made through the Second-Level SAP Appeal process is final.
How to Submit a Second-Level SAP Appeal
The Second-Level SAP Appeal is available through the same Online Financial Aid Account used for your First-Level SAP Appeal.
- Log in to MyVCCCD.edu.
- Under Tools, select Financial Aid.
- Select Financial Aid Dashboard.
- Access your Online Financial Aid Account.
- Open the Second-Level Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Appeal section.
- Select View Form and complete the Second-Level SAP Appeal.
If you indicate that you have additional supporting documentation, complete the Upload Required Documents task that appears after you submit your appeal.
Hard-copy appeals are also accepted. Please contact the Financial Aid Office for assistance or additional information.
Do not upload documents that you already submitted with your First-Level SAP Appeal. Only upload new or additional documentation that you would like considered as part of the second-level review.
Submitting a Second-Level SAP Appeal does not guarantee approval or reinstatement of financial aid eligibility.
Students may submit one First-Level SAP Appeal and one Second-Level SAP Appeal per semester.
