Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy

Federal law and regulations require that students receiving assistance from the federal Title IV funds (Federal Subsidized Stafford Loans, Federal Supplemental Loans for Students, Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loans, and Graduate PLUS Loans) maintain satisfactory academic progress.

The academic requirements for the Doctor of Osteopathy degree include the completion of curriculum designed by the institution and approved by the American Osteopathic Association Bureau of Professional Education. The progress of each student working toward a D.O. degree is evaluated in two categories: qualitative and quantitative.

• Qualitative Assessment of Performance - The qualitative assessment of performance measures the degree of achievement in each course. The evaluation is indicated by a letter grade, numerical grade, pass/fail or other written form of evaluation.
• Quantitative Assessment Performance - The quantitative assessment measures the time frame in which a student accomplishes the degree. The normal time frame for completion of required course work for the D.O. degree is four academic years. A student, due to academic or personal difficulties, may require additional time. To be considered to be making satisfactory academic progress, the student must complete the first two years of the curriculum by the end of the third year after initial enrollment. To be more specific, a student receiving financial aid should complete the D.O. degree in a maximum of five years.

Students who have been placed on an altered loan program by the College are considered to be making satisfactory academic progress as long as they complete the new requirements of the altered loan program. All students, regardless of their program, must complete the D.O. degree requirements in a maximum of six years.

The academic progress of each student is monitored and evaluated at the end of each aid term to see if the student has fulfilled all academic requirements and maintained ethical, moral, personal, and professional standards of conduct required for continued study of osteopathic medicine.

A student failing to meet one or more of the standards of progress may be placed on academic probation. While on probation, the student may receive financial aid as long as s/he continues to complete the academic requirements of her/his probation.