Howard University is an impressive school with a long and storied history. Graduate from Howard, and you can be certain your future is secure. Sounds easy, right? After all, you got in.
The thing is, getting in doesn't guarantee you a degree. To get in, you had to do well in your high school courses. Now you're facing college courses. Plus, you weren't doing a lot of adulting before. Now that you're on your own, living independently, you have a lot more responsibilities. It's not always easy to juggle studying, a social life, and laundry.
Life does have a funny way of intervening sometimes, and when it does, you may find yourself struggling to keep up academically. If you do, know that help is available. National Student Defense attorney-advisor Joseph D. Lento and his Education Law team know you've worked hard to get to where you are, and they believe you deserve every opportunity to earn your degree. Of course, they can't take your classes for you. You have to do your part. If you're facing academic probation, suspension, or dismissal, though, you might be surprised by what they can do to improve your situation.
Academic Progression at Howard University
Every school has an “academic standing” policy. These policies set standards you must meet in order to continue as a student at the school. Howard's policy is reasonably straightforward. As long as your cumulative GPA is 2.0 or above, you're in “good” standing and eligible to keep moving forward.
Of course, should your GPA fall below 2.0, there are consequences, some of which are quite serious.
- Probation: Initially, a cumulative GPA below 2.0 means probation. While on probation, you can sign up for no more than 13 hours of course credit. In addition, you must meet monthly with a designated advisor to discuss your progress. You can return to “good” standing once your cumulative GPA is above 2.0. However, should you continue to struggle while on probation, you are then subject to a one-term suspension.
- Suspension: Academic suspensions last for at least one semester. In order to return to Howard, you must submit a formal petition. If your petition is successful, you will be given an additional semester on probation. In addition to other probation requirements, you must also earn at least a C in every course in order to continue as a student at Howard.
- Dismissal: Finally, if you cannot meet requirements after returning from a suspension, you can be permanently dismissed from the university.
Dealing With Academic Standing Decisions
If you're in danger of an academic sanction, it's important to know that you do have options. For example, there's an immediate appeals process if you've been suspended. In other words, if your appeal is successful, you can remain at Howard for an additional probationary semester. Typically, though, you have to be able to show that it is mathematically possible for you to reach a 2.0 cumulative GPA by the end of that semester.
Of course, you can also appeal if you do wind up suspended.
There are a number of informal ways to handle negative academic standing decisions, though.
- Low grades are sometimes caused by a simple recording error or miscalculation. In most cases, fixing the problem is as easy as asking your instructor to complete a grade change form. Of course, you may need to prove your grade should be higher, so it's a good idea to hang on to all copies of your coursework.
- Colleges and universities take student mistreatment in the classroom very seriously. If you feel an instructor is treating you unfairly, you should contact that instructor's department head or the dean of your school or college. You may be entitled to some form of grade relief.
- Academic misconduct accusations can also lead to low grades. You always have the right to dispute the charges against you. Or, you can admit to violating policy but argue that the sanction your instructor assigned is too harsh.
- You can also try negotiating with your instructor. Faculty are sometimes willing to reconsider semester work, and they can occasionally be swayed by arguments. If your final exam grade was higher than your other work in the course, for instance, you may have a case for a higher final grade.
- Some faculty also assign extra credit and makeup assignments. You may have to take an Incomplete while you finish this work, but it can sometimes be the difference between good standing and probation or probation and suspension.
Advisors don't always know about all these options. Joseph D. Lento and his Education Law team do. They've devoted their careers to helping students succeed at school, and during that time, they've researched every possibility. The Lento Law Firm won't just help you figure out what to do, though. They'll also help you do it, whether that means working with you to draft a strong appeal or coaching you on how to approach faculty and administrators.
Premier Education Attorney-Advisor, Joseph D. Lento
Many students ask: how exactly can an attorney-advisor help you with academic issues? It's a fair question. It's not like you're on trial for shoplifting. You need help with your grades.
The thing is, 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 an attorney, and no one knows more about dealing with educational bureaucracy than Joseph D. Lento and his Educational 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.
