You made it to the University of Chicago. That's no small achievement. Admission standards are high, and only a very small percentage of applicants actually find themselves enrolled as students. Congratulations are in order.
Here's the thing, though: while you should be proud of yourself for getting in, you don't get to relax now. Students at the University of Chicago are held to standards every bit as high as those applying. Just as lots of applicants don't make the cut to become students, lots of students don't make the cut to become graduates. Fail to meet those high standards, and you could find yourself dismissed from the university. Maybe you can find another school to admit you—maybe—but you can bet it won't have the reputation of the University of Chicago.
If you're struggling academically, don't give up hope. Your education is too important, and you do have options. Attorney-advisor Joseph D. Lento can explain those options to you and help you pursue them. He's handled hundreds of university dismissal cases. He knows the process, and he knows the players. Joseph D. Lento can't get you good grades, but he can help you fight if you're facing dismissal.
The University of Chicago's Academic Progression Requirements
To remain in good academic standing at the University of Chicago, you must meet two important qualifications. First, you must maintain a 2.0 GPA each and every quarter. That's equivalent to a C in every class, on average. In addition, the school requires you to complete a minimum of 300 coursework units each quarter.
Fail to meet either of these standards or both, and you could face severe consequences.
- Fail to complete enough units, and you will be placed on “Academic Warning” status for the next quarter. As part of this status, your minimum course loud is four rather than three. Should you fail to catch up during the next quarter, you are then placed on “Academic Probation” status and again required to take at least four courses a quarter until you catch up to the required number. Failure to catch up during the probationary quarter typically results in a one-year suspension.
- Fail to maintain a 2.0 GPA during any given quarter, and the University of Chicago places you on “Academic Probation.” Should you fail to meet this standard the next quarter, you are subject to a one-year suspension.
- Finally, fail to achieve a 2.0 GPA and complete 300 credits during a semester, and you face an automatic one-year suspension with no probationary period.
Withdrawals from a course do not count against your GPA. However, they do count against the number of unit credits you receive for a quarter.
In addition, while the punishment in these cases is suspension, you are not allowed to transfer course credit taken at another institution during that period to the University of Chicago. In other words, you cannot gain any advantage during your suspension. In practical terms, suspension usually means you must begin paying loan monies back until you are re-admitted to the school.
Decision Processes
Decisions regarding academic progress are ultimately in the hands of the Office of College Community Standards. A committee comprised of members of the Office of the Dean of Students in the College meets at the end of each quarter to review student progress. Students are referred to this committee based on computer analysis of their GPA and completed course units. However, the committee may also take feedback from instructors and advisors into account in making their decisions.
The committee considers petitions regarding several administrative issues, including
- Extended Enrollment Status” for students who have not satisfied their degree requirements even after having completed 12 quarters
- Reduced course loads for students who need an extraordinary accommodation
- Leave of absence requests
Generally speaking, there is no appeals process in place for issues of academic standing since decisions are largely a matter of meeting specific standards. However, you may be able to intervene in the process and/ or negotiate with your instructors to intervene on your behalf. The easiest way to avoid probation or suspension, for example, is to convince an instructor that they gave you a grade lower than you deserved.
An attorney-advisor like Joseph D. Lento, someone who understands how procedures at the University of Chicago operate, can provide you with more information on these options.
SAP Standards
If you receive financial aid at the University of Chicago, you are subject to an additional set of standards. The federal government requires all schools to maintain a set of Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards for students who receive aid. These standards help ensure that no one can become a permanent student, living off government monies.
SAP standards at the University of Chicago are similar to the general academic standards at the university. That is, you must maintain a 2.0 GPA and complete 300-course units each quarter. In addition, though, you must complete at least 66 percent of the courses you attempt. Withdrawals do count against you in this case. Finally, you must complete your degree within 150 percent of the time frame normally allotted to that degree. A 900-unit degree, for instance, would only be eligible for 1350 units worth of financial support.
Your progress is reviewed at the end of each year by the University of Chicago Student Loan Administration. Should you fail to meet any of the standards, your financial aid is immediately suspended until such time as you meet those standards again.
You may, however, appeal the suspension of your financial aid if you feel you have extenuating circumstances that resulted in your failure to meet standards. Such appeals are directed to the Student Loan Administration and must include an appeal form, a letter of explanation, and any documentary evidence you may have to support your case.
Premier Education Attorney-Advisor
Academics at the University of Chicago is no joke. Decisions about probation, suspension, and dismissal are generally based on the numbers, and you could lose your good status rating or your financial aid without ever being allowed to explain your side of the situation.
That doesn't mean you have to give up. Sometimes a real human voice can outweigh the numbers. Joseph D. Lento has represented hundreds of students just like you in academic progress cases. He knows the procedures, and he can offer suggestions for how to use them to your advantage. If you or your child is facing dismissal, or even if you have already been dismissed, you owe it to yourself to learn about what options might be available to you. To find out more, contact the Lento Law Firm today at 888-555-3686, or use our automated online form.
