You worked hard to get into college. You went to class, you studied hard; you stayed home on the weekends. Well, some, anyway. If there was any justice in the world, you'd be able to relax now that you're enrolled at the University of Central Florida. You could take classes at your own pace without worrying about pesky tests or essay assignments.
Unfortunately, things only get harder from here. You'll take many tough courses over the next four years from demanding faculty. And, you'll be trying to learn how to adult at the same time. If that sounds tough, that's because it is. Not everyone makes it to the finish line.
Attorney-advisor Joseph D. Lento and his Education Law Team want to make sure you do. They are committed to the proposition that a single mistake, a tough semester, or a low grade shouldn't jeopardize your chance at a college education. They're experienced and well-versed in how UCF operates. They can make sure you're treated fairly and that you get every reasonable opportunity to earn your degree.
Academic Progression at the University of Central Florida
The academic standing policy at UCF is actually relatively straightforward. Your job as a student is to maintain at least a 2.0 cumulative grade point. Do that, and you remain in good standing. Should you struggle, though, there are consequences, and they can be severe.
- Academic Probation: First, when your GPA dips below that 2.0 mark, you'll find yourself on Academic Probation. The good news is there are no direct consequences for being on probation. UCF doesn't limit your hours or require you to complete any special courses are seminars. Further, you can remain on probation until you return to good standing, however long that may take, as long as you earn a minimum 2.0-term GPA each semester.
- Academic Disqualification: Should you fail to earn a 2.0 term GPA while on probation, you are then subject to Academic Disqualification. In simple terms, you become ineligible to take coursework at the university.
You can gain readmission to UCF, but only after a minimum of one year away. This means a serious setback to your academic progress. It also means you will likely need to begin repaying any student loans in the meantime.
Additionally, you should know that readmission is not guaranteed even after a year away from school. You must submit a readmission application, and should you be unable to return to good standing in two semesters, your disqualification becomes permanent.
Dealing With Academic Standing Decisions
Unfortunately, there are no mechanisms in place at the University of Central Florida for challenging an academic standing decision. That is, if your GPA should fall below that 2.0 number, you cannot avoid probation. Likewise, should your term GPA fall while on Probation, Disqualification is automatic as well.
However, Joseph D. Lento and his Education Law Team know some unorthodox approaches to preventing academic sanctions.
- If you're struggling academically because of extenuating circumstances, you can appeal directly to the dean of your school or college. A family emergency, for example, can be grounds to forestall Probation or Disqualification.
- If you experience any type of mistreatment in the classroom, you should report it immediately to your instructor's department head or, failing that, the dean. This, too, may be grounds for some form of grade relief.
- Many learning disabilities qualify for classroom accommodations, like extra time to complete assignments. If you are denied those accommodations, you should talk to Disability Services about your options.
- If you are diagnosed with a disability while in college, you may be able to drop low grades from your transcript and retake those courses without penalty.
- Some low grades are caused by academic misconduct allegations. If your instructor believes you have cheated or plagiarized parts of a paper, they may have lowered your course grade. You have the right to appeal those decisions, though, to the school's Student Conduct Board.
- You can try asking instructors for makeup or extra-credit work. This can be a quick way to improve your GPA, especially if your grade is already borderline.
- Some faculty are also willing to negotiate grades. You can, for example, ask a professor to reconsider all your work once the semester is over. When they take a fresh look, they may find you deserve a higher score than you received.
Your UCF advisor may not tell you about all these possibilities. Frankly, they may not know about all of them. Their job is normally to work within the confines and limitations of the academic standing system. Attorney-advisor Joseph D. Lento and his Team, though, have been helping students for many years. They know how campus systems work and how administrative offices operate. They know who to talk to when you're in trouble and what to say. Whatever your situation, they can help you develop a plan for moving forward.
And if, despite your best efforts, you should wind up Disqualified, they're also highly experienced at filing readmission appeals. They know precisely what committees look for in these appeals and how to make you the most appealing candidate you can be.
Premier Education Attorney-Advisor, Joseph D. Lento
Students ask all the time: How is an attorney supposed to help me make it through college? It's a fair question. After all, it's not like you're on trial for shoplifting. You need help with your grades. That's normally a matter of studying harder or finding a tutor.
The thing is, though, 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 attorneys, 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.
