College isn't like high school, is it? Oh, sure, there are some surface similarities. Both involve taking classes, for instance. But college courses are almost always harder than high school classes, and professors can make even the strictest high school teachers seem downright relaxed by comparison. Plus, when you were in high school, you had help—parents to get you up on time, nag you about getting your homework done, and do your laundry for you. You're on your own now. Well, mostly, anyway.
It makes sense, then, if you're struggling a little to keep your grades up. The transition to college can be difficult even for the best students. The question is, how are you going to respond?
You probably know all the most common strategies for pulling yourself out of a GPA tailspin, things like joining a study group and visiting professors during their office hours. There are some problems studying won't solve, though. Studying won't help, for instance, if your econ instructor just doesn't seem to like you. It also won't help you deal with a learning disability. For those kinds of problems, you need other kinds of help.
The Lento Law Firm was founded to help students deal with university problems. We're committed to helping you navigate Missouri State's bureaucracy and to making sure your school treats you fairly. So if you should find your grades slipping, don't wait. Contact the Lento Law Firm's Education Law Team today, at 888-535-3686, or use our automated online form.
Academic Progression at Missouri State University
Like all colleges and universities, Missouri State maintains an academic standing policy. The purpose of this policy is to keep you on track toward your degree. It sets the specific criteria you must meet to make steady progress, as well as the penalties you face if you fail to meet those criteria.
“Good” standing at Missouri State is actually relatively straightforward. It requires you to keep a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0. If your GPA should fall below that point, though, things can get a little complicated.
- Academic Warning: Should your term GPA fall below 2.0 while you're in Good standing, MSU issues you an academic warning. An academic warning is simply to let you know that you may be struggling a little. There are no specific requirements while under an academic warning, and again, you remain in Good standing.
- Academic Probation: When your cumulative GPA falls below 2.0, you're placed on Probation. While on Probation, you're required to visit with your academic advisor before you can register. You may also be ineligible to participate in some activities and organizations at the university. Your main goal while on Probation, though, is to return to Good standing. The good news is that you can remain on Probation until you get there, as long as you earn at least a 2.0 term GPA.
- Academic Suspension: If your term GPA falls below 2.0 while you're on Probation, you are then subject to Suspension. A first Suspension lasts for a full semester. You can apply for readmission, but you should know that readmission is not automatic. In addition, should you continue to struggle when you return, suspension can become more serious. A third suspension, for instance, means at least a year away from the university, and each time you're suspended, it can be more difficult to convince the dean's office and the Office of Admissions to approve your reinstatement.
Dealing With Academic Standing Decisions
In addition to reinstatement applications, Missouri State offers a process for appealing Suspension and gaining immediate reinstatement. Such appeals must be based on extenuating circumstances, like a family emergency or a long-term illness, and they should be directed to the dean of your school or college. If you're at the point of Suspension, the Lento Law Firm's Education Law Team can help. We're experienced at filing appeals. We know what kind of evidence reinstatement committees look for, and we can work with you to draft an appeal that puts you in your very best light.
We can also help you deal with Probation issues. After all, you're far better off if you can avoid getting to the point of Suspension in the first place. The attorneys at the Lento Law Firm know a number of tips and tricks for keeping your GPA in the safe zone. For example,
- Mistreatment from an instructor is never acceptable and may be grounds for a grade revision. You should report any such mistreatment to your instructor's department head.
- Low grades can sometimes be the result of an academic misconduct accusation. Your instructors have the authority to determine whether you've cheated on an exam or committed some type of plagiarism, and they have carte blanche to issue course penalties. They can lower your grade on an assignment, or they can lower your course grade. They can even fail you outright. However, you can challenge their decisions and/or the severity of the penalty to their department head and, ultimately, the Academic Integrity Council.
- If you suffer from a disability, you may need course accommodations to have a fair shot at a good grade. If you're diagnosed with a disability you didn't realize you had; you can petition the university to set your low grades aside and allow you to retake those courses with accommodations in place.
- You can always ask instructors for extra credit or makeup assignments. If your grade is already borderline, this can be the quickest way to raise your GPA to acceptable levels.
- Another option at your disposal is trying to negotiate with instructors. If, for example, your final exam grade is especially high, you might try asking them to use it as your course grade.
You can always count on the Lento Law Firm to be on your side. No matter what specific problem you might be facing, we'll sit down with you and work out a plan of attack that's tailored to your situation. Then, we'll help you implement that plan, whether that means coaching you in negotiation tactics or simply helping you find out who you need to talk to.
What Can the Lento Law Firm Do for You?
Your Missouri State University diploma is more than just a piece of paper. It's your avenue to a successful career, and if it's under threat, you can't afford to try and handle the problem by yourself. The Lento Law Firm's Education Law Team knows the law. We also know how the Missouri State system works. And we've helped hundreds of other students salvage their academic careers. Before you reach the point of probation or dismissal, call the Lento Law Firm today at 888-535-3686 or use our automated online form.
