Standards of Academic Progress (SOAP)

Administrative Procedure 1.102

Standards of Academic Progress = SOAP
Cumulative = CUM
Grade Point Average = GPA

Elgin Community College requires that students make satisfactory progress toward achieving their educational goals.  Satisfactory academic progress (Good Standing) is defined as the attainment of a 2.0 SOAP CUMULATIVE (CUM) Grade Point Average (GPA) or higher. SOAP CUM GPA is based on all credit hours attempted at ECC, including developmental classes (does not include coursework transferred to ECC).

SOAP GPA is calculated and Academic Standing determined after all grades are entered at the end of each semester; when SOAP CUM GPA is less than 2.0, SOAP Term GPA will be used to determine academic standing.

The chart below outlines the SOAP process:

  • Current Semester Academic Standing

    Requirements & Conditions

  • Good Standing

    At the completion of the semester after all grades are submitted and Academic Standing is run, if:
    • Your SOAP CUM GPA is 2.0 or higher, you will remain in Good Standing
    • Your SOAP CUM GPA is less than 2.0, you will move to Caution academic standing.

  • Academic Caution

    You are REQUIRED to participate in academic success intervention strategies prior to registering for the following semester.
    At the completion of the semester after all grades are submitted and Academic Standing is run, if:
    • Your SOAP TERM GPA is 2.0 or higher, you will remain in Caution academic standing until returning to Good Standing.
    • Your SOAP TERM GPA is less than 2.0 you will move to Warning academic standing.

  • Academic Warning

    You are REQUIRED to participate in academic success intervention strategies prior to registering for the following semester.
    At the completion of the semester after all grades are submitted and Academic Standing is run, if:
    • Your SOAP TERM GPA is 2.0 or higher, you will remain in Warning academic standing until returning to Good Standing.
    Your SOAP TERM GPA is less than 2.0 you will move to Probation academic standing.

  • Academic Probation

    You are REQUIRED to participate in academic success intervention strategies prior to registering for the following semester.
    At the completion of the semester after all grades are submitted and Academic Standing is run, if:
    • Your SOAP TERM GPA is 2.0 or higher, you will remain in Probation academic standing until returning to Good Standing.
    • Your SOAP TERM GPA is less than 2.0 you will move to Suspension academic standing.

  • Academic Suspension

    You are REQUIRED to sit out for one semester (fall or spring).
    After the suspended semester you will be eligible for re-enrollment by following the Reinstatement requirements and conditions (see Reinstatement below.)

  • Academic Appeal

    To appeal your suspension, you must submit an Appeal for Standards of Academic Progress Status - PDF form. Your Appeal will be reviewed to determine whether your circumstances warrant consideration. If approved the maximum enrollment for a fall or spring semester is 7 credits; maximum enrollment in summer is 4 credits.
    At the completion of the successfully appealed semester after all grades are submitted and academic standing is run, if:
    • Your SOAP TERM GPA is 2.0 or higher, you will move to Probation academic standing.
    • Your SOAP TERM GPA is less than 2.0 you will move to Suspension academic standing with no option to Appeal.

  • Academic Reinstatement

    At the completion of the suspended semester you will be REQUIRED to: Upon Reinstatement the maximum enrollment for fall or spring semester is 7 credits; maximum enrollment in summer is 4 credits.
    At the completion of the semester after all grades are submitted and Academic Standing is run, if:
    • Your SOAP TERM GPA is 2.0 or higher, you will return to Probation academic standing.
    • Your SOAP TERM GPA is less than 2.0 you will move to Suspension academic standing.