College Success: Back On Course
A Means to Ensure Your Future Academic Success

What is College Success: Back On Course?

Back On Course (CG 100) is a one-credit class (CG 100) designed to assist students who did not meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards. The goal is to help students get back on track to academic success and achieve good standing with Financial Aid. This class helps students learn how to address the various barriers that prevent achieving SAP, clarifies college policies and expectations, and links students with campus resources.  Over 93% of students who have completed Back On Course report it has helped them inprove academically, and 98% recommend Back on Course to other students.  Financial Aid recognizes enrollment in this course as a means to ensure future academic success and may reinstate financial aid eligibility for this reason.

Is Back On Course the best appeal choice for me?

To help determine if the circumstances that prevented you from meeting SAP are generally approved or denied, refer to the Satisfactory Academic Progress Standards publication at: www.lanecc.edu/finaid/forms/documents/0910SAPstandards.pdf.  If your circumstances are listed under the bulleted list for:

• "Examples of circumstances that may be approved" – Then you should appeal by indicating you had extenuating circumstances. It is likely you do not need Back On Course at this time.
• "Examples of circumstances that may be denied" – You can enroll in Back On Course and appeal by indicating you are taking steps to ensure your future academic success. Note: If you have previously appealed a FA Suspension and indicated you were taking Back On Course, your financial aid cannot be reinstated for this reason again.
  

Can I submit two appeals in case one is denied?

No, any appeal you submit should list only one reason as the basis for your appeal. If your first appeal is denied, you can submit a second appeal with additional information and/or documentation. Because the second appeal may not be reviewed by the refund deadline, you need to decide what appeal option will benefit you most. Generally speaking, if you have circumstances that typically are considered for approval and can answer “yes” to the questions below, you will establish a strong case for reinstatement without taking Back On Course.

• Do I have and/or can I get documentation of my circumstances?
• Is my documentation relevant to the term I did not meet SAP (i.e. dates, duration, etc.)?
• Does it seem reasonable that the circumstances that affected me would affect someone else in the same situation?

If you have circumstances that are typically denied, if you answered "no" to any of the above questions, or if you have previously appealed a FA Suspension status for the same or similar circumstances, you will establish a stronger case for reinstatement by taking Back On Course as a means to ensure your academic success.

Is it a guarantee that my financial aid will be reinstated if I take Back On Course?

No. All students must be able to complete their program within the maximum credit limit with at least a 2.0 cumulative GPA. In addition, if you have previously appealed citing Back On Course, it will not be considered a second time.

Can I receive financial aid the same term I enroll in Back On Course?

Yes. If approved, you will have your financial aid reinstated the same term you are enrolled in the course. Do not wait until the term is over to file your appeal – financial aid cannot retroactively reinstate your eligibility for a term that has ended.

Is Back On Course offered every term?

No. Back on Course is offered fall, winter and spring terms only.  Research has shown that Back on Course is not as effective an intervention during summer term.  This is likely due to the accelerated pace of summer classes and the fatigue students experience attending year round.  If you are appealing to be reinstated summer term, you cannot use the Back on Course appeal option.  If you choose to use another appeal option and attend summer term, be certain to read our Summer Success Tips.  you may choose to take summer term off and appeal to be reinstated fall term using Back on Course.

Additional information:

• Winter 2010 Offerings
• Online Options