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Commencement of Academic Activity

Last Updated: September 26, 2022 3:08:40 PM PDT
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UC San Diego has implemented a new tracking process to monitor commencement of academic activity for all undergraduate level, graduate level, and professional level students. The Department of Education requires that we track that that a student has commenced academic activity in a class for that class to be counted towards eligibility for Title IV federal financial aid (e.g., Pell Grant, Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans, PLUS loans; see below for more information).

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What counts as “academic activity” for this requirement?

Academic activity includes: 

  • Attending class  
  • Submitting an assignment  
  • Taking a quiz or an exam  
  • Participating on a discussion board, or  
  • Talking with the instructor about the class or subject matter  
How will my instructors be tracking the commencement of my academic activity in my classes?
Instructors will be using one of two methods to track the commencement of academic activity: manually indicating that students have commenced academic activity, or by using canvas assignments. 
What do I need to do?
To meet this requirement, you must begin participating in your classes during the first two weeks of instruction in the fall, winter, and spring terms and in the first week for summer terms. This can include attending a class, submitting an academic assignment, taking an exam, participating on a discussion board, or having a one-on-one discussion with the instructor about the class. If your instructor assigns an activity marked #FinAid in Canvas, it is particularly important that you complete the assignment promptly because completion of one of these assignments for a class will automatically document that you have commenced academic activity in that class. If you are added off the waitlist late, in week two or later, it is crucial that you connect with the instructor right away. 
What if my instructor does not use Canvas or does not assign a #FinAid activity?
They are most likely certifying their students manually. In such cases, participate and attend as the instructor requires for that class. 
How will I know if I have not had my commencement of academic activity certified in a class?
The Financial Aid and Scholarships Office will be contacting students (via their UC San Diego email address) who did not commence academic activity in enough units to satisfy the requirements of their aid packages. If you are told you have not commenced academic activity in a class for which you believe you have, contact the instructor for that class. 
I do not receive Title IV Federal aid; do I need to worry about this?
We recommend all students attend and participate in all classroom activities and assignments. While we will be tracking this requirement for all students, the Financial Aid and Scholarships Office will only be contacting and tracking students as required by their individual financial aid packages.  
What kind of financial aid is considered Title IV Federal financial aid?
Title IV Federal financial aid encompasses a wide variety of aid types, including but not limited to Direct Loans, the Federal Pell Grant Program, PLUS and Grad PLUS loans, the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), and the Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) grant. A list of Title IV Federal financial aid programs and grants may be found online at StudentAid.gov.  
I have been notified by the Financial Aid and Scholarships Office that my aid package is being adjusted because I did not commence academic activity in a class or classes. What do I do?

If you have been notified that you have not commenced academic activity in a class, it is vital that you begin participating in that class immediately. If you have been participating in a class and believe you received the notification in error in error, contact your instructor. 

If you have your aid packages adjusted due to a deficiency in this requirement and are billed, federal financial aid may be reinstated within regulatory timelines if it is found you were participating. Contact the Financial Aid and Scholarships Office with questions.