I have a Financial Aid problem. What is SAP issue? Will it just go away in time?
SAP stands for Satisfactory Academic Progress. When you are in danger of failing or have failed to meet these standards, you have what is often called an SAP issue. You will receive a letter from the Financial Aid. It also may show as a negative service indicator (HOLD) on your SIS records.
Federal regulations require that a student receiving federal financial aid make satisfactory academic progress in accordance with the standards set by the College and the federal government. These limitations include all terms of enrollment, whether or not aid was awarded or received. Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards also apply to state and institutional aid.
Progress is measured throughout the academic program by the student’s cumulative grade point average (Qualitative) and by credits earned as a percentage of those attempted (Quantitative or Pace of Completion). In addition, students must complete their programs of study before attempting 150% of the credits required to complete the program. The College Financial Aid Office will evaluate satisfactory academic progress before aid is awarded and after grades are posted for every term, starting with their first term of enrollment.
In other words, it will never just “go away.” If you have a problem or need assistance with an appeal, please see the Financial Aid Office. Your Success Coach is also available to help you in this process.
More information is available at www.pdc.edu/financial-aid/satisfactory-academic-progress-sap/
I have a Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) issue that I have been avoiding for years. I really want to re-enroll at PDCCC. What can I do?
SAP issues do not go away. Students with SAP issues should contact the financial aid department at 757.925.6346 ASAP! Don’t be afraid to find out what it will take to get this issue resolved. Also, please feel free to contact me to discuss your concerns.
Are you planning to attend college in the summer session?
Financial Aid funds are processed differently for summer session. If you are planning to enroll for summer, you need to visit the Financial Aid Office as soon as possible and complete the Summer State Grant Application form. The funds are available are distributed on a first come basis. Don’t miss this opportunity!
What is a “Work-Study”?
Work-Study is a program where a student can work part-time at the college to earn money for their education. For more information visit the Financial Aid office or visit this link: www.pdc.edu/financial-aid/work-study/
How much Financial Aid am I eligible for?
How much aid you get depends on your financial need, how much it will cost to attend school, and what your enrollment status is.
Can a student get Financial Aid at two colleges at the same time?
No, a student may only receive aid at one institution at a time.
I am no longer eligible for Pell Grant. What other options does PDCCC offer to finance my education?
I want to apply for scholarships, but I am not sure if I qualify. What do I need to do?
Contact us at your earliest convenience, we are more than happy to help you with choosing appropriate scholarships and applying for them. Scholarship applications’ are available on line at www.pdc.edu/financial-aid/scholarships/
I am taking several MTE classes. Does it matter what order I take them in?
YES! MTE classes are designed to be taken in order. You should take MTE 1 before MTE 2; MTE 2 before MTE 3; etc. You may skip a section if you have tested out of it, but you should not skip a section that you are required to take. If you have registered for classes and they are out of order this semester, please see me. This also applies to ENF classes.
I am very concerned that I received a “SAILS Alert” notification from the College. What does this mean? Who do I contact?
Answer: Each semester students who are identified by faculty as having an academic concern in one or more of the following areas are sent a “SAILS Alert” notice:
- Student has not attended any classes
- Student has excessive absences
- Student has been consistently tardy to class
- Student consistently leave class early
- Student will receive a “D” or below if improvement is not shown
- Student needs time management skills development
- Student has poor study habits
- Student needs tutoring
- Student is having difficulty outside of the classroom
Students are notified in writing (typically through a combination of means, including email, postal mail, and / or telephone).
The college-wide SAILS alert program is managed by the campus counseling team. Additionally, the College Success team supports this initiative by identifying and making contact with students who participate in S.T.E.P.S.
Where can I learn about Campus Safety and Security?
Items of interest and those directed by external authorities are posted on the Safety and Security webpage. The page can be found under the Featured Link on the college home page or at www.pdc.edu/about/safety-security/. The page includes a section titled “Do You Know?” which will contain the latest awareness information and external bulletins addressing, safety, security, and emergency operations. Information will be kept on the page for 30 days then removed.
Emergency notification i.e., tornadoes, fire etc. will be made using the PDCCC Emergency Notification System. If you have not signed up to receive these important alerts, please do so TODAY from the Safety and Security webpage.
When is the Library open? What help can I get there?
Library/Lab Hours
Library/Lab Hours
Library/Lab Hours
| Regular Library/Lab Hours |
Franklin |
Suffolk |
| Monday: |
8:00 AM – 8:30 PM |
8:00 AM – 8:30 PM |
| Tuesday: |
8:00 AM – 8:30 PM |
8:00 AM – 8:30 PM |
| Wednesday: |
8:00 AM – 8:30 PM |
8:00 AM – 8:30 PM |
| Thursday: |
8:00 AM – 8:30 PM |
8:00 AM – 8:30 PM |
| Friday: |
8:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
8:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Saturday: |
10:00 AM – 3:00 PM |
Closed |
| Sunday: |
Closed |
Closed |
The Library staff can assist you in: Conducting research in databases; completing assignments/projects using Blackboard, Microsoft Office and other software; studying; using the Internet; and other concerns you may have. Visit the Library and read the blog to keep up-to-date at www.pdc.edu/library/.
I am 62 years old. A student in my class mentioned that the college may have “special” financial aid funding available for “seniors.” Who should I speak to for more details?
The College offers a “Senior Citizens Tuition Waiver” for students age 60 or over. Students should contact the PDCCC Business Office to see if they qualify:
Franklin campus: 757.569.6702
Hobbs Suffolk campus: 757.925.6316
Monday through Thursday: 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Friday: Closed
The SIS shows that I owe a debt to the college? What does this mean?
Students who owe a debt to the college usually will not be allowed to register for classes. Also, the college will not issue transcripts, certificates, or degrees until debts are paid in full. Please contact the Business Office:
Franklin campus: 757.569.6702
Hobbs Suffolk campus: 757.925.6316
Monday through Thursday: 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Friday: Closed
I am not sure what academic program I am enrolled in. I am not sure who my advisor is? Where do I find this information? When do I need to see my advisor?
This information can be found when you log-on to the Student Information System (SIS). As a returning student, you should meet with you advisor (not a counselor) prior to enrolling in courses. To find information on what program you are in and who your ad
I am thinking about enrolling in summer courses, but I have not seen a schedule of classes posted anywhere. When will summer schedules be posted?
Summer schedules are usually posted in early March. Reminder: Students should consult with their program advisor prior to enrolling in courses.
Registration is open until after classes start. Why should I register now?
Students who have a plan and are ready to get to class on the first day perform better in their classes. Ideally, you should have schedule set, your books and supplies ready, so that on the first day of classes you are engaging in learning. Take care of all of those “housekeeping” things during these slower summer months. REGISTER TODAY!
Why do my summer classes seem harder than in other semesters?
Summer classes are compressed. A typical semester has 15 weeks of class while the summer only has 10 weeks. Since the same amount of material is covered in each
session, the summer sessions move at a faster pace. This is also why your class meeting sessions are longer. A 3-credit class will meet for 4 hours each week during the summer.
Why does it matter that my summer classes meet longer each week?
You should be allowing for MORE study time each week than you would for the same course load during the Fall or Spring semester. Remember the Study Rule! For each hour you spend in class, you should allow 2-3 hours of study time OUTSIDE of the class time. So, if you are enrolled in 12 credit hours for this summer session, you are actually spending 16 hours in class, so your study time should be 32-48 hours each week in addition to your time in the classroom. (During the other semesters, you should expect to spend 24-36 hours each week in outside study time if you were enrolled in 12 credit hours.)
