You made it into Central Michigan University. That's no small feat. Making it in isn't the same as graduating, though. Unlike high school, universities have high expectations when it comes to grades, and if your GPA should slip even a little, you can be subject to Probation, Suspension, and even Dismissal.
The thing is, we all have those tough semesters. Maybe you signed up for more hours than you can really handle. Maybe you're dealing with a personal issue that's distracting you. Maybe you've run into a professor who just doesn't seem to like you. It happens. It shouldn't stand in the way of you graduating and going on to a successful career.
The Lento Law Firm wants to make sure it doesn't. Our Education Law Team was founded to ensure college students are treated fairly. We don't believe a mistake—or even two or three—should prevent you from earning your degree. That's not just something we believe, though. We've studied the law, and we've worked with enough students to know how Central Michigan's bureaucracy works. If your grades have dropped a little—or more than a little—we're ready to use what we know to protect your academic future.
To find out more, call 888-535-3686 or take the time now to tell us a little about your situation.
Academic Progression at Central Michigan University
Your high school could make you repeat courses that you failed, but it couldn't kick you out just for low grades. College is different. Central Michigan University maintains what's called an Academic Standing Policy. This policy sets minimum academic standards, and it includes a list of sanctions for when you're not meeting those standards. Here's the basics of what CMU's policy has to say.
- Good Standing: This is where you want to be. It means you're making good progress toward your degree. More importantly, it means you don't have to worry about any sanctions. At CMU, Good standing requires you to keep your cumulative grade point average above 2.0.
- Probation: This is just what it sounds like. It means your grades have fallen, and you're in danger of Dismissal, but CMU is giving you another chance to improve. Central Michigan places you on Probation when your GPA falls below 2.0, as long as it doesn't fall below a lower cutoff number based on your hours. If it does, CMU dismisses you. You can also be dismissed for three consecutive semesters on Probation.
- Suspension: This status only applies to students in their first semesters at CMU. It means you failed to meet the minimum GPA requirements for Probation, but you can gain automatic reinstatement by going through a reinstatement process.
- Dismissal: This means separation from the university. As with Suspension, you can return to the university after Dismissal. However, you must spend at least a year away, and you must appeal for readmission. Your return to CMU is not guaranteed in these cases.
Here's the complete chart listing the minimum GPA numbers to remain on Probation.
- 6-18 hours – 1.00
- 19-35 hours – 1.50
- 36-45 hours – 1.70
- 46-58 hours – 1.80
- 59-71 hours – 1.85
- 72-85 hours – 1.90
- 86 or more hours – 1.95
Dealing With Academic Standing Decisions
Central Michigan does offer some useful means of avoiding the most serious sanctions, like Suspension and Dismissal. Freshmen who are Suspended can apply for immediate reinstatement. If you've been Dismissed, you can file an appeal if your academic deficiencies are the result of extenuating circumstances. A successful appeal means you can continue at the university with no interruption. And, of course, even if you are Dismissed, you can file an appeal after a year away.
The attorneys at the Lento Law Firm have helped hundreds of students complete these appeals processes. We know exactly what reinstatement committees look for in these appeals, we know what evidence makes the best impression, and we know how to make you look your very best on paper.
You're always better off, though, if you can avoid reaching the point of Dismissal in the first place. We know some good strategies for doing this as well.
- If your GPA has fallen to the point of Dismissal, there's a good chance you may have an undiagnosed learning disability, such as ADD, ADHD, or dyslexia. Disability Services can get you tested for free. They'll also work with you to put accommodations in place. You may be entitled to extra time to complete assignments, for example, a note taker, or access to technology during exams. You can also petition CMU to drop low grades from your GPA and let you retake those courses with the appropriate accommodations in place.
- A single F can have an enormous impact on your GPA, especially if your GPA is already borderline. Your instructors have the authority to accuse you of academic misconduct—cheating and plagiarism—and they also have the authority to fail you for such misconduct. Instructors make mistakes sometimes, though. You have the right to challenge their accusations to the dean of the college that houses the course. In fact, even if you admit to violating school policy, you can still argue that the sanction is too severe. A "C" or a "D" is always better than an "F."
- Any time you feel an instructor is treating you unfairly, you should report that to the instructor's department head. Classroom mistreatment is grounds for a grade appeal.
- Some faculty will negotiate for grades if you have a compelling argument. You may have failed a course, but you could try arguing that your progress during the semester warrants a passing grade.
- Another option is asking instructors for extra credit or makeup assignments. You may have to accept an Incomplete while you finish these assignments, but again, an “I” is always better than an outright “F.”
Every situation is different, and you can't expect an approach to work for you just because it worked for someone else. When you contact the Lento Law Firm, we'll sit down with you and review the particular circumstances of your case. We'll help you come up with a plan, and we'll help you put that plan into action.
What Can the Lento Law Firm Do for You?
Your Central Michigan diploma is far more than just a piece of paper. It's your avenue to a successful career. If it's under threat, you can't afford to try and handle the problem by yourself. University processes and procedures can be complex and difficult to navigate, and often, you will find the system is stacked against you. You need the very best help you can get, someone who is in your corner and ready to fight on your behalf.
The Lento Law Firm's Education Law Team has helped hundreds of students just like you respond to academic issues and make it to graduation. What can we do for you? To find out, call us today at 888-535-3686, or use our online form.
