2016-2017 LSCPA Catalog | Page 39

Lamar State College Port Arthur 2016-2017 Catalog Revised 9-13-16 Qualified students can apply for additional money each year up to a total limit over the course of four years. Undergraduate dependent students can borrow up to $5,500 for the first year up to a total limit of $31,000 during their time in school. Independent students can borrow up to $9,500 the first year with a final total of $57,500. To qualify, students must submit a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) form; have a financial need as determined by the College; be a U.S. citizen or national, permanent resident or eligible non-citizen; be enrolled or plan to attend at least half-time; and not be in default on any education loan or owe a refund on an education grant. Employment Employment opportunities under the Federal College Work-Study Program and other employment Academic Policies Academic policies and procedures are periodically reviewed and are updated. They may change during the course of an academic year. For further policy information or updates, see the Student Handbook or go to the Lamar State College Port Arthur website, www.lamarpa.edu . Academic Performance Academic performance is a measure of a student’s performance. Student performance is assessed by 1) grade point average (GPA); and 2) course completion. Academic performance is calculated beginning with the first semester that a student enrolls and all subsequent semesters. Students are expected to make acceptable scholastic progress toward their degree objectives. A grade of ‘C’ is the minimum satisfactory grade and a 2.0 grade point average (GPA) constitutes satisfactory performance. The levels of academic performance include 1) good standing, 2) academic probation, and 3) academic suspension. Students who do not maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 will be placed on academic probation, or academic suspension. programs of the College are available to students as part of the financial assistance program. The College, local businesses and industries provide a number of part-time jobs which allow students to earn part or all of these expenses while attending the College. Students with Disabilities The Texas Rehabilitation Commission offers assistance with tuition and non-refundable fees to students who have certain disabling conditions, provided their educational objectives have been approved by a TRC Counselor. Examples of such conditions are orthopedic deformities, emotional disorders, diabetes, epilepsy, heart conditions, etc. Other services are available to help students with disabilities become employable. Application for service should be made at the Texas Rehabilitation Commission, 5860 Ninth Avenue, Port Arthur, Texas 77642. Academic Probation Students in the following categories at the end of the Fall or Spring Semesters are placed on Academic Probation: • Freshman students (1-29 semester credit hours (SCH) work attempted) who have less than a 2.0 but greater than a 1.15 GPA; • Sophomore students (30-59 SCH work attempted) who have less than a 2.0 but greater than a 1.58 GPA; • Other students who have greater than 60 SCH work attempted and have less than a 2.0 but greater than a 1.72 GPA. Suspension Students with a GPA reflecting “academic suspension” at the end of the Fall or Spring Semesters shall be suspended. No first-time college students shall be suspended at the end of their first semester of attendance. Students in the following categories at the end of the Fall or Spring Semesters are considered to be on Academic Suspension. Page 38 of 135