Course Program of Study
Is Course Program of Study New?
Course Program of Study (CPOS) has actually been a requirement by the Federal Government for a number of years. Nationally, institutions are all moving toward this, in an effort to keep their federal funding for financial aid. Due to advancements in technology, we now have the tools necessary to be able to help students move toward program completion.
I am a faculty advisor. How does this impact my work with students?
Please note that CPOS only impacts financial aid eligibility, based on applicability of courses, so if you do not usually fill out Financial Aid applications, you will not be financially impacted by CPOS. However, as a faculty advisor, your recommendations in terms of major, minors, requirements, electives taken, timeline to graduation, etc., will be valued by students, and could impact the decisions they make. These decisions could impact their Financial Aid package. As a result, you can best assist students by being aware of the CPOS guidelines so that your students are not adversely impacted in terms of their ability to receive Financial Aid. On the Financial Aid Pell Recalculation Date each term, Financial Aid will calculate the student’s Financial Aid, based on what the student is registered for at that time. Ideally, advisors who have to review CPOS compliance will be asked to assist students prior to the start of the term. This is a shared responsibility, so please do your part.
Will students be able to additionally “count” courses for double majors or minors?
It depends. In addition to CPOS rules, students must make Satisfactory Academic Progress, as defined by the Federal Financial Aid regulations that cover: Qualitative (GPA), Quantitative (Pace), and Maximum Timeframe (time to degree) standards. As a result, students may be able to fit in courses for double majors and minors, based on careful planning. Courses for minors can only count if the student’s GPS Pathway shows remaining elective courses.
Will students be able to additionally “count” courses that may not be needed for their General Education or primary major requirements, but are required as prerequisites for medical school, health professions, etc.?
The federal rules on prerequisite, preparatory and remedial and repeat coursework are complex. Please send students with such inquiries to the financial aid office to talk with their technician.
How will this impact students who change majors?
Students who change majors will be allowed to count courses that apply to their new major and General Education requirements. They should make their decisions wisely, however, because they will be subject to Federal Financial Aid guidelines regarding time to degree and maximum timeframe allowed. Financial aid eligibility is limited and has lifetime aggregate maximums. We want to see students complete their programs with remaining eligibility for future educational plans.
How does this impact transfer students who may have taken community college courses that do not transfer, but still lack courses for their major?
Financial Aid understands that courses taken at previous institutions may have been previously required at that previous institution. Transfer students are strongly encouraged to work closely with advisors and Financial Aid technicians to use their remaining Financial Aid most efficiently.
In cases when courses are only offered in certain terms (i.e., Spring only) and students are required to take less than full-time coursework as a result, what are their options?
In these types of cases, Financial Aid will be adjusted strictly according to the courses needed to complete the degree.
How do I change my Major?
Go to Admissions and Records
Under the "Admissions Forms" section, click the link for "Information Change Form."
*Only fill out your name, 900# and new major information
Google sign the form or print the form, sign and date it, take a picture of the completed form and email the photo to registration@avc.edu.