Required: Satisfactory Academic Progress

Watch these videos to learn more about the importance of keeping your academic progress in good standing and resources to help you bump up your grade point average (GPA). 

SAP Appeals and Petitions for Reinstatement 

If you have lost financial aid because you are not meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements due to a low GPA and/or insufficient unit completion, you may appeal to the Financial Aid Advisory Committee (FAAC) for reinstatement. You must be eligible to enroll at Sierra College to submit an appeal. 

Petition for Reinstatement 

To request reinstatement of your financial aid: 

  1. Submit your appeal through Sierra College’s financial aid appeal portal. 

  1. Provide the required documentation and a detailed explanation of the circumstances that affected your academic progress. 

  1. The FAAC will review your appeal and make a decision. 

Reinstatement may be approved when documented circumstances outside your control—such as medical issues, family emergencies, or other extenuating circumstances—affected your academic progress. 

90-Unit Limit Appeal 

You may receive financial aid until you complete a degree or attempt a total of 90 units, regardless of how much financial aid you have previously received. 

If you have lost financial aid because you earned a degree or have attempted more than 90 units, you may appeal to the FAAC for reinstatement. You must be eligible to enroll at Sierra College to submit an appeal. 

To request reinstatement: 

  1. Upload your appeal through Sierra College’s financial aid appeal portal. 

  1. Provide the required documentation and a detailed explanation of your circumstances. 

  1. Discuss your major and academic or career goals with a counselor before your appeal is reviewed. 

A 90-Unit Limit Appeal will only clear you to complete your current program of study. Dual majors are not approved under a 90-Unit Limit Appeal at Sierra College. 

Financial Aid Advisory Committee (FAAC) 

The FAAC is made up of Sierra College staff members who meet regularly to review financial aid petitions and appeals. 

Your appeal should include all required documentation and enough detail in your statements for the FAAC to understand and evaluate your circumstances. 

Why an Appeal May Be Denied 

The FAAC may deny a petition or appeal if: 

  • Your Student Education Plan (SEP) is not comprehensive or is outdated. 

  • You do not provide sufficient details or supporting documentation to demonstrate your circumstances. 

  • You are unable to meet the federally mandated 67% completion rate (Pace) by the time you complete your degree. 

How Long the Review Takes 

It can take up to 45 days after all required documents have been submitted for Reinstatement and 90-Unit Limit Appeals to be reviewed by the FAAC. 

Once a decision has been made, it will appear in your mySierra student account: 

  1. Log in to mySierra. 

  1. Select the Financial Aid tab. 

  1. Go to Financial Aid Status. 

If Your Appeal Is Approved 

Approval of your appeal does not guarantee eligibility for all financial aid programs. Your financial aid may be reduced, and your loans may not be approved. 

You will only be awarded financial aid for coursework that applies to your approved degree plan. 

For 90-Unit Limit/Maximum Unit Appeals, you are approved to complete only the major you commit to at the time of your appeal. A change of major will only be considered if an extenuating circumstance prevents you from completing your declared major. 

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