If you're a college student at Andrews University, you already know: college isn't like high school. Sure, you worked hard as a high school student. You studied, did your homework, and prepped for the SATs. College is a whole other level of hard, though. Courses can be demanding, and the university's expectations are high.
Of course, high expectations can be a good thing. Not only do they challenge you to do your best, but they ensure that your school maintains a strong academic reputation, and that means better jobs when you graduate.
We all make mistakes, though. We all have those days, or those courses, or those semesters when we're just not feeling inspired. When expectations are too high, you can easily find yourself on probation or even dismissed from Andrews University altogether.
Attorney-advisor Joseph D. Lento and his Education Law Team want to make sure that doesn't happen to you. Don't understand how an attorney could possibly help you with academic issues? Don't worry; you will. For now, just know that Joseph D. Lento and his Team know the law as it applies to education. They also know how Andrews University works, including who to talk to when they run into trouble and what to say. They're ready to put all this knowledge to work for you.
Academic Progression at Andrews University
All colleges and universities maintain what's known as an academic standing policy. In simple terms, such policies let you know how you're doing in your coursework and provide negative incentives (sanctions) to help keep you on track. Andrews University's standing policy is based on three criteria. “Good,” the highest standing, means
- You are maintaining a minimum 2.0 cumulative grade point average
- You are earning a semester GPA of at least 1.75 every semester
- You don't have a combination of three or more Withdrawals, Incompletes, and grades below C
Should you fail to meet any one of these three standards, you are then placed on Academic Probation. While on probation, you are expected to limit your extracurricular activities. You may have to take one or more special courses on study skills. You may also be limited to 12 hours a term.
Your larger concern when you're on probation, though, is getting off of it. You have two semesters to meet all three criteria again. After that point, you are subject to Academic Dismissal. Additionally, you can be dismissed:
- After any three semesters of probation, even if they are not consecutive
- Any time you earn a semester GPA below 1.25
- For failing to follow your school or college Probation Student Guidelines
- For displaying “academic irresponsibility” (failing to go to class, failing to turn in homework assignments, etc.)
In some places on its website, AU refers to dismissal as “suspension,” suggesting you may be able to apply for reinstatement after some period away from the school. However, AU doesn't publish instructions on how to go about doing that, suggesting that it may be quite difficult. In short, you want to avoid dismissal if at all possible.
Dealing With Academic Standing Decisions
Andrews University doesn't offer any formal procedures for appealing an academic standing decision. In fact, the Undergraduate Guide goes out of its way to note,
“A dismissal that follows Andrews University policy will not normally be eligible for an appeal.”
Strong words. They don't mean, though, that you don't have options if you're facing an academic sanction for poor performance. In fact, Joseph D. Lento and his Education Law Team know a number of strategies for dealing with the threats of probation and dismissal.
- If your academic struggles are the result of extenuating circumstances, such as a death in the family or a long-term illness, you can appeal directly to your school or college dean for additional time to improve.
- If your low grade is the result of classroom mistreatment, you should report that treatment immediately, either to the instructor's department head or your dean. You may be entitled to some grade consideration.
- A disability can sometimes be grounds for grade revision. If you have a disability—even if it wasn't diagnosed when you took the course—you can sometimes persuade your school to re-evaluate your grades.
- Some low grades are the result of academic misconduct. If the instructor suspects you've cheated or plagiarized on a paper, they'll likely lower your grade on the assignment or lower your grade in the course. You have the right to appeal these decisions.
- Some faculty are open to the possibility of grade negotiation. Maybe you have a compelling argument for why you deserve a higher grade. For instance, perhaps your final exam score was particularly high. Or, you may simply ask them to take a fresh look at your work from the term.
- Instructors are also sometimes open to assigning extra credit or makeup assignments. This is especially true when you have a borderline grade and only need a few additional points.
Joseph D. Lento and his Education Law Team are well-versed in these and many other options for avoiding academic sanctions. They can help you develop a sound plan of attack, and they can help you to put that plan into motion. Whether you need to file an appeal or you're just looking to brush up on your negotiation skills, they'll stand beside you from beginning to end and make sure you get your education back on track.
And, should the worst happen and you find yourself suspended, Joseph D. Lento and his Team also have years of experience helping students file reinstatement appeals. They know what readmission committees look for in the appeals and how to make you look your best on paper.
Premier Education Attorney-Advisor, Joseph D. Lento
Students sometimes ask: how exactly is an attorney-advisor supposed to help me with academic issues? It's a fair question. It's not like you're on trial for shoplifting. You need help with your grades. That's normally a matter of studying harder or finding a tutor.
As the information on this page suggests, though, succeeding in college is often as much about navigating bureaucracy as it is about writing papers and taking exams. No one knows more about dealing with bureaucracy than attorneys, and no one knows more about dealing with educational bureaucracy than Joseph D. Lento and his Education Law team. That team was assembled specifically to handle student conduct and academic progress issues.
Joseph D. Lento and his Team are on your side. They understand that no one is perfect, and they're committed to the idea that a few mistakes shouldn't keep you from earning your degree and going on to a successful career. They'll fight to make sure you're treated fairly and that you get all the rights you deserve. You've worked hard to get to this point. Don't let that hard work go to waste. To find out more about how you can fight dismissal, contact the Lento Law Firm today at 888-555-3686, or use our automated online form.
