Financial Aid

Financial Aid Satisfactory Progress Standards

The Higher Education Act mandated institutions of higher education establish minimum standards of "satisfactory progress" for students receiving financial assistance.

This means that a student must make progress toward obtainment of an appropriate degree or certificate during each term that the student is enrolled. These standards are applicable to all federal, state and institutional aid programs administered by Morehead State University.

To continue to receive financial aid at MSU, a student must demonstrate satisfactory academic progress by completing a minimum number of the total hours attempted, and by also maintaining a minimum GPA.

Graduate students will be considered to be making satisfactory academic progress for financial aid purposes as long as all of the following requirements are met:

1. A student must successfully complete a minimum of 67% of the credit hours attempted. Successful completion for this purpose is defined as receiving a "C" or better.
2. A student must maintain a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA.
3. A student has attempted no more than 150% of the number of hours required for his or her degree.

Grading Policies and Procedures

The specific policies and procedures to be used in applying the satisfactory progress standards are outlined below:

1. Satisfactory progress will be evaluated at the end of each spring semester. (For the Federal Direct Loan, evaluation will be completed prior to the certification of the loan application.)
2. Hours attempted for purposes of this policy will be defined as those for which a student receives a grade of A, B, C, D, E, F, I, IP, K, P, R, U, N or W.
3. For graduate students, grades of D, E, F, I, IP, P, R, U, N and W will not qualify as successful completion of hours attempted.
4. Non-credit remedial courses, courses taken for audit, and courses in which grades of "K" or "P" are received are not figured in the calculation of a student's GPA.
5. If otherwise eligible, students will be given financial aid during a term in which they may be repeating a course. Financial aid can pay for the repeat of a passed class only one time.
6. A student who fails to maintain satisfactory progress as defined will not be permitted to receive federal, state, or institutional financial aid.

Academic Bankruptcy

To create an opportunity for graduate students with an unacceptable grade point average to drop one semester's work from consideration for University academic program requirements. The requirements for eligibility and the operational procedures follow. 

Specific Conditions of Academic Bankruptcy 

 The specific conditions governing the implementation of the policy on academic bankruptcy are considered as addenda to the policy statement. 

1. The graduate student who applies for and is granted bankruptcy forfeits credit for all courses in the bankrupt semester. The grades and credit hours earned during that semester are disregarded for University graduate program requirements. 
2. Once bankruptcy status has been granted, the decision is irreversible. Bankruptcy can't be used more than once. 
3. The marks and credit hours earned during the school term in question are considered a part of the student’s permanent record and will be so recorded on the transcript. A notation will be made, however, to indicate the bankruptcy and no work attempted during the term will be considered for any requirements of Morehead State University. 

Eligibility 

 Only hours attempted at Morehead State University are considered for bankruptcy; transfer hours are excluded. The requirements for academic bankruptcy are: 

1. The student must apply for bankruptcy before completing the graduate program at the University. 
2. The student must have attempted a minimum of six semester hours at the University. 

Procedure 

To apply for academic bankruptcy, the student obtains an Academic Bankruptcy form in the Graduate School. The student is required to meet with the appropriate academic advisor or department chair/associate dean for review of the student’s petition for Academic Bankruptcy. 

1. The student will initiate action by presenting a completed application form requesting academic bankruptcy status for a specified term to the advisor or department chair/associate dean. 
2. This form, signed by the advisor or department chair/associate dean, will be delivered to the Graduate School for verification of eligibility. 
3. The Office of the Registrar notifies the petitioning student, advisor or department chair/associate dean by email regarding eligibility. 
4. The petitioning student, upon notification that the request to bankrupt has been denied, has the right to appeal. Appeals of the eligibility ruling are made through the Director of the Graduate School. 

Appeal Procedure for Students Who Fail to Maintain Satisfactory Progress Standards for Financial Aid

Students who fail to meet satisfactory progress standards, as defined, may appeal the ruling to the Office of Financial Aid if they believe extenuating circumstances led to their failure to maintain satisfactory progress. Those desiring to appeal must do so in writing on the Unsatisfactory Academic Progress Appeal for Student Financial Aid form and must attach supporting documentation. Copies of the appeal form may be obtained in the Office of Financial Aid or online at www.moreheadstate.edu/finaidforms. Students will be notified in writing of the action taken on their appeal. Financial aid eligibility will be reinstated for all students whose appeals are approved.

Reinstatement of Financial Aid Eligibility

Students who do not appeal or have an appeal denied can regain eligibility for financial aid by enrolling for a subsequent academic term (fall, spring or summer term) at his or her own expense, satisfying the satisfactory progress definition.

Procedure for Determination of Student Residency Status for Fee Assessment Purposes

To apply for a change of residency, a student must complete the Application for Student Residency Reclassification for Fee Assessment Purposes and submit it to the Office of Enrollment Services. The student will be notified of the residency status decision in writing. To view the full policy online, visit www.moreheadstate.edu/finaidforms.