Academic/Financial Aid Warning & Suspension

It is not uncommon for students to face academic challenges. Many students placed on warning go on to have a successful career at Century. The academic and financial aid warning process allows students time to reflect, learn and grow.

Students placed on academic or financial aid warning for not meeting the 2.0 GPA and 66.67% standards of academic progress can continue to attend classes and receive financial aid. During this time, we strongly encourage you to:

• Visit with your assigned advisor/counselor to understand why you are on academic/financial aid warning and work together to build a success plan.
• Meet periodically with your instructors for updates on your academic progress.
• Make use of both student support and academic support resources on campus.

It is important to take action to address the causes of your academic difficulties. If you do not meet the standards of academic progress, you will be placed on academic/financial aid suspension.

The stories below describe the experiences of past students in the academic warning process.

“When I failed an important math class, I was devastated. If anything, getting the warning notice made me feel worse. Eventually, I got up the courage to talk to my faculty member. I went to her office hours, she closed the door, and my story spilled out. I was worried what she would think. But she surprised me. She told me, ‘You probably wouldn’t believe how many times I’ve had a conversation like this. Every time a person walks in thinking they are the only one, but really, more students struggle than you think.’ I saw that there’s no shame in struggling academically—lots of people do. It’s all about how you respond. When I got the email I was really down. But I learned something important in the process, about how to face up to challenges, to ask others for help, and find a way forward. That was some time ago, and I can see now that the process was productive for me and helped me grow as a person and as a student.”

“Last year, I was struggling with some mental health issues. I felt like I was barely holding it together. I couldn’t focus on my studies, so warning didn’t come as a surprise. But it did help me realize that I didn’t know how to deal with everything, so I reached out for some guidance from people around me including staff at the tutoring center and the counselors on campus. They helped me learn how to manage my mental health better—to take care of myself and get support when I need it. I still struggle sometimes, but overall I’m doing better mentally and academically now, and I’ve learned how to deal with stress and hard times more effectively when they come up.”

“I had some bad things happen in my life and my grades suffered. At first I tried to ignore the grade problems, but that just made things worse. Getting on warning was really hard for me because I was struggling with a lot of things within my family that were beyond my control. Finding out that it could affect my financial aid made me worried, but I knew I had to take action. I went to the financial aid office and ended up talking with a woman there about my options. Then, I set up a meeting with one of the academic advisors. He clearly understood that circumstances outside of school can affect school and that happens sometimes. We strategized and made a plan. To be honest, it’s been tough. But I’ve done it. And that gives me confidence that I can handle whatever other challenges the future holds for me.”

“Coming to Century College was definitely a new experience. I’d done OK in high school but I just wasn’t prepared for the way college works, how much reading some professors assign, or the fancy language some people use. When I ended up on warning, I felt like a failure, like I didn’t belong. After a while, I realized that the warning didn’t define me as a person or limit my potential. Yes, I struggled, but it wasn’t that I couldn’t do the work. I needed to learn how to do college. It took some time, but I made an effort to take advantage of as many resources as I could. I met with my advisor and worked out a plan that made sense for me. Now, I’m on track to graduate, and I know that I deserve to be here just as much as anyone else.”  

Unfortunately, some students are not as successful at Century as they hoped to be. This can be due to a number of factors, such as personal and academic difficulties, family concerns or finances. Many students placed on suspension go on to have a successful career at Century.

The time away from Century provides an opportunity for students to reassess their approach to academics. While this process can no doubt be difficult, it is intended to allow students to re-evaluate and come back stronger after taking time away to refocus.

What are my options?

Option #1 - Appeal your suspension to return next semester.

For students academically suspended after the Summer semester of 2023
To remain registered for spring semester 2024 classes, an appeal needs to be completed by Wednesday, January 9, 2024. If the appeal is not completed by January 10, 2024, any classes students are registered for or are currently attending will be dropped. Beginning December 21, 2023, students can still complete an appeal but will need to re-register for classes if it is approved after January 10, 2024.

You have the opportunity to appeal your suspension. Follow the steps below to complete the appeal process.

1. Watch the Success after Suspension workshop video to review satisfactory academic progress information, success strategies and resources.
   
   
2. Complete and submit an appeal form.

On the appeal form, you will be asked to provide information and details for the following two areas:

• Describe what prevented you from meeting the 2.00 GPA and/or 66.67% completion rate.
• Explain what you will do or have already done to ensure your success next semester.

It is very important you spend time completing these questions to the best of your ability. Your answers give insight to the review committee and provide a plan for how you will be successful if your appeal is approved.

• If your appeal is granted, your status will be reinstated as an active student on academic probation.
• If your appeal is denied, you will be removed from your current courses for the subsequent semester and the suspension will stand until served.

Option #2 - Serve your suspension.

Suspended students will need to sit out one semester, not including the summer term. How you spend your time away from Century is entirely up to you. If you were challenged during the semester to balance work, school, and personal or family concerns, you can utilize this time to fully attend to these concerns.

How Do I Return When my Suspension Term Has Ended?

In order to return to Century, students are required to complete a readmission process. More information about this process can be found by clicking on the re-admission to Century College tab.

In order to receive financial aid, students must meet the requirements for satisfactory academic progress. Many students at Century rely on financial aid support to attend college. Losing financial aid eligibility can be very difficult and stressful. You are not alone. Many students have faced this challenge and worked hard to return to good academic standing.

What Are My Options?

Appeal your suspension to return next semester.

You have the opportunity to appeal your financial aid suspension. Should you choose this option, you must complete and submit an appeal.

On the appeal form, you will be asked to provide information and details for the following two areas:

• Describe what prevented you from meeting the 2.00 GPA and/or 66.67% completion rate.
• Explain what you will do or have already done to ensure your success next semester.

It is very important you spend time completing these questions to the best of your ability. Your answers give insight to the review committee and provide a plan for how you will be successful if your appeal is approved.

• If your appeal is granted, you will be reinstated to financial aid eligibility and placed on probation. To remain in good standing, you must earn at least a 2.50 term GPA and complete 100% of your courses.
• If your appeal is denied, you will be ineligible to receive financial aid at Century until you meet the minimum standards and return to good academic standing.

Pay for your classes out of your own pocket.

Depending on your situation, this may or may not be an option for you. You may choose to take time off from school to focus on work and save money for your future studies. Before making a final decision regarding your next steps, consider making an appointment with your assigned personal and career counselor through Starfish to explore the resources available to you.

All approved appeals and probationary terms require that you abide by a conditional plan that will help you return to good standing.

• Academic probation requires that you must complete 66.67% of your term credits with a 2.00 GPA.
• Financial aid probation includes term standards of 2.5 GPA and 100% of completion, which are higher than the institution’s cumulative standards.

At the end of your probationary term, if you meet the cumulative standards you will be removed from probation. If you do not meet the cumulative standards, but you meet the term standards of the conditional approval of your suspension, you will remain on probation. If you do not meet the cumulative standards and you also do not meet the term standards of the conditional approval of your suspension, you will be re-suspended.

After you have served your suspension, you are eligible to be re-admitted to Century College. We would love to welcome you back! Century College is committed to your success, and we are here to offer you support and resources to help you achieve your educational goals.

In order to return to Century College, please follow the readmission process steps below. For questions or other assistance, please contact the Advising, Counseling and Career Center at acc@century.edu or 651-779-3285.

Readmission Eligibility

• In order to register for courses, you are required to follow the readmission process below, including watching the readmission video and submitting necessary paperwork. We encourage you to complete the readmission process at least four weeks before the start of the semester to allow enough time to formalize preparations to start successfully.
• Any outstanding fines or previous tuition will need to be paid in order to register for your returning semester. For assistance or questions, please contact the Business Office at W2340, 651-779-3278.

Readmission Process

Please follow the steps below to be readmitted to Century College.

1. Reapply to Century College to update your major and contact information. You will need your StarID and password to submit your application. Your application fee will be waived.
   
   
2. Watch readmission workshop video to review satisfactory academic progress information and success strategies and resources. Click here to view.
   
   
3. Complete and submit Readmission Form to the Records Office at records@century.edu.
   
   Once you have completed the first three steps, you will receive an email from the Records Office letting you know that you are eligible to return and register for courses.
   
   
4. Optional: Meet with an advisor or counselor for course planning and registration assistance. Schedule an appointment with an advisor or counselor by emailing acc@century.edu.

Financial Aid Suspension Appeal and Tuition Payment

If you have a current financial aid suspension, you will need to appeal your suspension in order to receive financial aid. Complete and submit an appeal form.

Additional Information

• Students have an academic suspension typically also have a financial aid suspension. If you are uncertain whether you are suspended from receiving financial aid, please contact the Financial Aid Office at finaid@century.edu.
• Your financial aid is not automatically reinstated. You will be reinstated to financial aid eligibility by either meeting the cumulative standards for academic progress or by successfully appealing. Neither paying for classes nor sitting out for any length of time is sufficient to guarantee your eligibility for financial aid.
• You may choose to pay for your classes without using financial aid. You have the right to appeal your financial aid suspension in the future.
• Financial aid eligibility also requires completion of a FAFSA.

Tuition Payment

Please make note of tuition payment deadlines and make appropriate payment arrangements.

Support Services

Upon readmission to Century College, we encourage you take advantage of the many support services available to help you succeed.

What is Maximum Time Frame?

Maximum Time Frame is a requirement of the Department of Education and must be monitored for ALL financial aid recipients. Even though it is called Maximum Time, it is really a measure of the number of CREDITS you have attempted, including transfer credits. The goal is to make sure students are using their financial aid effectively and progressing toward degree completion. It is NOT an academic suspension; you are still able to register and attend classes.

How is Maximum Time Frame Calculated?

You have exceeded the maximum time frame when you have taken at least 150% of the credits required to complete your degree at Century College. For example, 150% of a 60 credit AA degree is 90 credits or more. It will be less if you are in a diploma or certificate program. Your first 30 credits of developmental or pre-college level credits are not included in the 150% calculation. Your attempted credits are counted whether or not you were using financial aid when you took the courses.

Will I still qualify for financial aid when I am over the Maximum Time Frame?

In order to receive financial aid, you will need to appeal your maximum timeframe suspension and have it approved by the Director of Financial Aid.

How do I complete a Maximum Time Frame suspension appeal? What if I have more than one degree that I am working on at Century College?

To complete a maximum time frame suspension appeal, please schedule an appointment with your assigned advisor or counselor in Starfish or contact acc@century.edu.

Your advisor/counselor will help you complete and submit the appeal form which will include:

1. A list of the remaining courses required to complete you intended educational program(s). If you plan to transfer and are taking courses to meet another institution’s admission requirements, those courses may also be included on the appeal form (courses must be completed within twelve months and you can only receive student loans for courses required for transfer admission only).
2. The date you intend to complete your degree.
3. An academic transcript.

Check your e-services to make sure that your intended degree matches what is on record with Century College. If you need to add/delete/change your educational program, complete the Student Change of Information Form.

What happens if my appeal is approved or denied?

If your appeal is approved, you can receive financial aid based on your FAFSA and award letter. ONLY those courses required to complete your program/transfer admission requirements and approved on your appeal will be eligible for financial aid. If you plan to use student loans, you must be registered for at least 6 aid-eligible (on your degree plan) credits each semester in order to qualify for loans.

If your appeal is denied, you will need to make payment arrangements with the Business Office to cover the cost or your courses.

For questions regarding your Maximum Time Frame Suspension or about your financial aid eligibility, please contact the Financial Aid Office at finaid@century.edu.