Veteran Academic Progress

Satisfactory Academic Progress

Satisfactory academic progress (SAP) applies to students utilizing Veteran Education Benefits as defined by the Veterans Administration (VA). In order to meet SAP, students must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 for undergraduate and DDS programs, 2.2 for JD program, or 3.0 graduate programs and successfully complete a minimum of 67 percent of the courses attempted.  Failure to do so will result in a student being put on Veteran Academic Probation (VAP). Two consecutive semesters on VAP (not meeting SAP) will restrict a student’s ability to use veteran education benefits at University of Detroit Mercy.

Veteran Academic Probation (VAP)

A student will be placed on a Veteran Academic Probation (VAP) if the cumulative GPA falls below the minimums described above, or if the completion of courses attempted falls below 67 percent. VAP does not restrict registration but may eventually restrict the ability of the student to use veteran educational benefits. The VAP policy requires that the student contact their academic advisor to discuss a plan to take steps to meet SAP and review student success resources on campus. If the student achieves the minimum cumulative GPA or higher and reaches a completion percentage of 67 percent for all courses attempted, the VAP will be removed.

Veteran Benefit Denial (VBD)

While on VAP, if the student continues to not meet the minimum cumulative GPA and does not successfully complete at least 67 percent of the courses attempted for that term, the student will be ineligible to receive VA benefits which we refer to as Veteran Benefit Denial (VBD). This action will be reported to the VA by the University through the VA’s formal process. Once placed on VBD, the student will be denied the use of all VA benefits and will be responsible for payment of tuition and fees. University of Detroit Mercy will not certify veteran education benefits under any chapter while on VBD. The VBD will be removed and upgraded to VAP when a cumulative GPA meets the minimum or higher and a completion percentage of 67 percent for all courses attempted is reached, allowing the student once again to utilize veteran education benefits at University of Detroit Mercy.

Appealing a Denial

A student can appeal a VBD decision by submitting an appeal letter to the School Certifying Officials in the Office of the Registrar. This VBD appeal letter should include an explanation of the situation detailing circumstances that contributed toward the inability to meet VAP and information that demonstrates what has occurred to try to correct any issues that have hindered success. Appeals will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. The student will then be notified of the decision within 10 days of appeal.

Students should not assume that a VAP appeal will be approved and accepts responsibility for paying their tuition and fees if the appeal is denied.