What does it take to succeed in college? It takes hard work and discipline. You have to study. You have to get to class every day. You need to write brilliant papers and ace exams. Sometimes, you have to join study groups, visit professors during office hours, or find tutors. You know about all that stuff. After all, you couldn't have gotten into Nova Southeastern without a strong academic background.
College success can involve other important skills, too, though. You need to know how to get along with instructors, who to contact when you're dealing with a family crisis, and what rights you have to challenge the grades you're given. In short, you need to know how to navigate the Nova Southeastern system.
Students are sometimes surprised when we say that we might be able to help them with academic progress. What do lawyers know about college, right? Here's the thing: universities are bureaucracies. No one knows more about dealing with bureaucracies than attorneys. And no one knows more about educational bureaucracy than the attorneys at the Lento Law Firm.
So, as funny as it may seem, the moment your grades start to slip, you need to call the Lento Law Firm. Our Education Law Team has dealt with every kind of college problem you can imagine and some you probably can't. To find out what we can do for you, call 888-535-3686 or take a little time now and tell us about your situation.
Academic Progression at Nova Southeastern University
All schools maintain what's known as an academic standing policy. This policy describes exactly what you need to do to make steady progress toward your degree. It also contains a punitive component. That is, there are consequences if you're not making the progress you should be.
Good standing at Nova Southeastern is pretty straightforward. You need to keep your cumulative GPA above 2.0. That's it. Of course, that's sometimes easier said than done. So, what happens if your GPA slips below that magic number?
- Academic Warning: You're actually still in Good Standing when NSU issues you an Academic Warning. A Warning simply means that your term GPA has fallen below 2.0. It's what it says it is: a warning that you need to improve or you risk worse consequences.
- Academic Probation: The first of these worse consequences is Probation. NSU places you on Probation the moment your cumulative GPA falls below 2.0. There are no special requirements for Probation. You don't have to enroll in extra classes or take educational webinars on how to study. Your main job is to get back to Good standing. And you can take as long as you need to do that, provided your term GPA remains above 2.0. However, Probation is noted on your transcript. In addition, you should know that if your term GPA falls below 2.0, the consequences get even more serious.
- Academic Suspension: If both your cumulative and term GPAs are below 2.0 and you've already been on Probation, you are then subject to Suspension. Suspension means separation from the university for a full semester (Fall or Spring). As with Probation, it is noted on your transcript. In addition, you cannot count any credit earned during your Suspension towards your degree.
- Academic Dismissal: Finally, should your GPAs fall below 2.0 after you've already served a Suspension, you are then Dismissed from the university. You can reapply to NSU, but only after at least two years away, and your return is not guaranteed.
Dealing With Academic Standing Decisions
The Lento Law Firm can help you prepare a readmission packet if you've been Suspended or Dismissed from NSU. We know what the school's Academic Progress Committee looks for in these applications and what kind of evidence gives you the best chance of returning to the university.
However, you are always better off if you can avoid Suspension or Dismissal altogether. Luckily, the attorneys at the Lento Law Firm know a number of useful strategies for keeping your GPA out of the danger zone.
- If your academic deficiencies are the result of extenuating circumstances, such as a long-term illness or a serious bout of depression, you can appeal to the dean of the College for Undergraduate Studies for more time to improve.
- Classroom mistreatment can be grounds for a grade revision. You should report any such mistreatment to your instructor's department head immediately.
- NSU offers a grade appeal process any time you feel that you deserve a higher grade than the one you receive.
- If you struggle to pass courses, you could have an undiagnosed learning disability. Disability Services can help get you tested. In addition, you can petition the university to drop low grades from your GPA and allow you to retake those courses with appropriate accommodations in place.
- Low grades can also be the result of academic misconduct allegations. Instructors have the authority to deduct points from assignments or even to fail you outright if they believe you've cheated or committed plagiarism. However, you can appeal your instructor's decisions to the College of Undergraduate Studies.
- Some faculty are open to the possibility of grade negotiation. If you score especially high on your final exam, for instance, you could try asking your instructor to use that score as your course grade.
- You can also ask faculty to consider extra credit or makeup assignments. If your grade is borderline, this can be a quick way to raise your grade and your GPA.
No single strategy will work in every situation. You can count on your Lento Law Firm attorney to sit down with you and go over your particular circumstances. They'll work with you to come up with the best possible solution, and they'll help you put your plan into action, whether that means drafting an appeal or coaching you in the art of negotiation.
What Can the Lento Law Firm Do for You?
Your Nova Southeastern 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 automated online form.
