No matter how well you did in high school, no matter how high your SAT scores, college is always a transition. The thing is, while you were acing all your high school courses, you didn't have to worry about getting yourself out of bed in the morning or making yourself study. You weren't trying to figure out how to live with a total stranger in a room the size of a closet. Someone else did your laundry for you.
So, if you find yourself struggling a bit those first few semesters, don't panic. Struggling is normal. On the other hand, if you can't seem to get your GPA back up no matter what you do, if you're worried about the threat of academic probation, suspension, or dismissal, it may be time to act.
The Lento Law Firm can help. No, we won't call and wake you up in the morning. And we're not going to go anywhere near your laundry. We do know all the tips and tricks, though, for navigating the Portland State system. We know who to talk to when you run into problems, and we know exactly what to say. We've helped hundreds of students just like you, and we're only a phone call away at 888-535-3686. Phone, not your thing? Contact us using our automated our automated online form.
Academic Progression at Portland State University
Like all colleges and universities, Portland State maintains an academic standing policy that outlines exactly what it takes to remain in “good” standing. There are actually two standards you must meet. First, you must have a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0. In addition, you must earn a minimum 2.25 GPA every term.
What happens if you should fall below those numbers?
- Warning: The good news is you don't face dismissal the first time you get a low grade in a class. If you're not meeting the GPA standards for good standing, you are initially issued an academic warning. As part of that warning, PSU places a hold on your registration until you complete a study skills workshop. As you might expect, you can return to good standing as soon as you once again meet the qualifications for good standing.
- Probation: This is the next level of academic sanction. Basically, you wind up on probation if you don't pull your GPAs up after being issued a warning. In the case of probation, you must participate in an academic coaching appointment at the Learning Center before you can register. Again, however, you return to good standing as soon as you meet the right benchmarks.
- Dismissal: Finally, you can also be dismissed if you can't raise your GPAs to good standing levels while on probation. There are only two ways to earn reinstatement following a dismissal. You can petition the Scholastic Standards Committee, or you can earn an associate's or bachelor's degree at another institution. Otherwise, your dismissal means permanent separation from the university.
Dealing With Academic Standing Decisions
The petition process is a valuable safety net for students who have been dismissed, and the attorneys at the Lento Law Firm can help you to complete one if that's the situation you find yourself in. We know what standards committees look for in these petitions and how to make you look your best on paper.
However, you're far better off avoiding dismissal in the first place if you possibly can. Luckily, the Lento Law Firm attorneys know some useful strategies for keeping your GPAs in acceptable ranges. For example,
- If you have extenuating circumstances that caused your academic deficiencies, you can try appealing directly to the dean of your school or college. A family emergency or a serious illness might entitle you to more time to improve.
- You should report any mistreatment from an instructor to that instructor's department head. You may deserve a higher grade than the one you received.
- Disabilities, including learning disabilities, often warrant course accommodations. If you have ADD, for example, you may need extra time to complete your assignments. If you should discover that you have an undiagnosed disability, you can petition the university to drop low grades from your GPAs and allow you to retake those courses with the appropriate accommodations in place.
- If your low grades are the result of an academic misconduct allegation, you can appeal your instructor's decisions and the assigned sanction to the University's Directory of Conduct.
- PSU faculty are sometimes willing to negotiate grades. At a minimum, you can always ask for extra credit or makeup work. Not every professor will be receptive, but this can be an easy way to raise your grade points.
These and other options can often help keep your grades up, especially in combination with improved studying strategies. Not every strategy will work in every situation, though. You need to choose the most effective approach, one that's tailored to your particular progression issues.
The Lento Law Firm's Education Law Team can work with you to determine exactly what path you should take. We'll help you come up with a plan, and we'll make sure you implement that plan effectively. We can coach you in negotiating with instructors, help you gather and organize evidence, and draft any necessary documents on your behalf. We're on your side, and we'll do whatever it takes to get you the best possible resolution to your case.
What Can the Lento Law Firm Do For You?
There may be no more complex bureaucracy in America than the university. It's hard enough taking classes, getting used to living with someone and making good decisions about when to study and when to party. You don't have time to figure out how the Portland State system works too.
It turns out, though, that lawyers are especially good at dealing with bureaucracy. It's like a whole course in law school. The Education Law Team at the Lento Law Firm was specifically created to deal with educational bureaucracy. We know the law, we know how your school operates, and we're ready to put what we know to work in service of your future.
At the first sign of trouble, don't wait. Let the Lento Law Firm help you before you reach the point of probation or disqualification. Call today at 888-535-3686 or use our automated online form.
