Students must complete at least 67% of the total (cumulative) units attempted. For example, a student has attempted 20 units at Norco College. They successfully completed 13.5 of those units. Their completion would be 67.5% (units completed divided by units attempted equals completion percentage– 13.5 ÷ 20 = 67.5%). 

The Maximum Timeframe for completion of a degree or certificate is 150% of the published length of the program. All units attempted at RCCD as well as any transfer units will be included since the Maximum Timeframe is based upon units attempted. A student can receive financial assistance for a maximum of 150% of the published length of the program. For example, if the published length of a degree program is 60 units, the student may receive financial assistance for up to 90 attempted units (60 units x 150% = 90 units). If the published length of a certificate program is 40 units, the student may receive financial assistance up to 60 attempted units (40 units x 150% = 60 units). If students are unable to finish their program within the Maximum Timeframe, as explained, they may lose eligibility for Title IV aid.

A student is meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress if the student maintains a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 (Qualitative Standard), a completion percentage rate of 67% (Quantitative Standard) and the student has not exceeded the Maximum Time Frame of their selected program of study (Quantitative Standard).

Students failing to meet SAP will be placed on a one semester “Warning” which will allow students to receive financial assistance even though they are not meeting the SAP standard. If after the “Warning” semester students are still not meeting the SAP standard, they will become Ineligible. (Students who have exceeded the 150% Maximum Timeframe do not receive a Warning semester). 

Students on Warning status are encouraged to meet with a Counselor to complete an official and current comprehensive Academic Plan (AP)/Student Educational Plan (SEP). You may schedule an appointment to meet with the Student Financial Services Academic Counselor or any Academic Counselor to complete an AP/SEP. Please visit Norco College’s Counseling Department for an appointment. Students on financial aid Warning status will continue to receive certain types of financial assistance during the Warning period. Warning status students must improve their cumulative academic standing. Students who do not meet the SAP standards after their Warning period will be declared Ineligible for financial assistance. 

A student can become Ineligible for two reasons: 

1. Student failed to meet SAP standards after their “Warning” semester and/or  
2. Student exceeds the 150% Maximum Timeframe of program of study under the quantitative Standard. 

Students will be placed on Financial Aid “Probation” status only if their appeal is approved. Students on Probation must meet the SAP standard each term beginning with the term of approval to maintain their Probation Status. If students fail to meet SAP while in a Financial Aid Probation Status, they will become Ineligible to receive financial assistance until they bring their SAP up to Qualitative Standard of 2.0 GPA and Pace of Progression of 67% completion rate prior to exceeding the Maximum Timeframe. 

All financial aid forms, including those related to SAP appeal, can be found and completed online through the StudentForms platform. Set up or log into your account by visiting norcocollege.studentforms.com.

Some examples of Extenuating Circumstances that must be supported by providing official documentation may include: 

1. Death of an immediate family member, documented illness, major accident or injury of yourself or an immediate family member 
2. Victim of a crime 
3. Homelessness 

Appeal Process

The four (4) documents that must be submitted if the student has extenuating circumstances are: 

1. Appeal form with a written statement of the extenuating circumstance
2. Official documentation verifying the student’s extenuating circumstances (i.e., court documents, police reports, medical records, doctor’s note, death certificate) 
3. Official Comprehensive Student Educational Plan (current within the last year) 

Proof of completed online SAP Appeal Counseling Session (students must attach Completion Certificate or Email Confirmation)

Students who have exceeded the Maximum Timeframe must have one of the following valid reasons: 

• One time change of major or goal 
• Returned for a second goal 
• Completed ESL courses (ESL 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 71, 72, 73, 91, 92, 93...) 
• Completed Basic Skills courses (ENG 60A, 60B, 80, 91 MAT 50, 51, 63, 64, 65, REA 81, 82, 83, 90) Note: MAT 52 if student started classes the fall 2011 semester or later. 
• High unit majors (Nursing, Vocational Nursing, Dental Hygiene...) 
• High unit transfer majors (Math, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Computer Science, Engineering...) 
• Completed Military or AP courses/credit 

Appeal Process

The three (3) documents that must be submitted if the student has exceeded the Maximum Timeframe are:  

1. Appeal form with a written statement explaining the valid reason for exceeding the Maximum Time Frame  
2. Official Comprehensive Student Educational Plan (created within the last year) 
3. Proof of completed online appeal session (Students must attach Completion Certificate or Email Confirmation) 

Submission of an appeal does not guarantee that a student will regain financial assistance eligibility. After reviewing the appeal, the Student Financial Services office will render a decision, and the student will be notified in writing of the decision.  

Norco College students must submit their appeal to Norco College only. Each student who is approved for a “probationary” period must have an official Academic Plan/Student Educational Plan developed, which will outline the courses for which the student may receive financial assistance.