You got into the University of Memphis. Congratulations. That's no small feat. It's not, however, the same as graduating from the University of Memphis. Earning a degree takes four (-ish) years of hard work and determination, going to classes every day, and studying every night. All of that's hard enough. But, oh, by the way, you'll also be learning how to be an adult at the same time. You've got to learn how to live with other people and respect their space. You've got to figure out what to do when a teacher doesn't like you. You have to do your own laundry.
What do you do when all of that becomes too much, or you just plain old have a bad semester? You take a deep breath and call the Lento Law Firm.
We know, we know: what is a lawyer supposed to do for you academically? You might be surprised, actually. You see, college success is often as much about navigating the system effectively as it is about writing papers and taking exams. Who knows more about navigating bureaucracy than lawyers? And, as it turns out, no one navigates educational bureaucracy better than the attorneys at the Lento Law Firm.
So, if your grades have fallen a little (or more than a little?), maybe it's time to find out what the Lento Law Firm's Education Law Team can do for you. Call 888-535-3686 or fill out one of our online questionnaires.
Academic Progression at the University of Memphis
You might not realize this, but UM actually maintains a set of standards that describe exactly what you need to do to make steady progress toward your degree. It's called an academic standing policy. It also contains a list of sanctions you face when you're not making steady progress.
- Good Standing: Here's where you want to be. It means you're earning decent grades and accumulating the credits you need to graduate. The University of Memphis defines good standing as keeping both your cumulative and term grade point averages above 2.0.
- Academic Warning: The first time your cumulative GPA falls below 2.0, or you earn less than a 1.0 in a term, UM issues you an Academic Warning. As part of Warning status, you must complete a study skills workshop and pass a quiz. You must also submit a Conditional Enrollment Agreement setting the requirements you promise to meet in order to remain a student at UM.
- Academic Probation: The University of Memphis doesn't issue second Academic Warnings. If, at any point after a Warning, your cumulative or term GPAs should fall below 2.0, you're placed on Academic Probation. As part of Probation, you must enroll in a 1 hour Student Success Seminar. In addition, you must earn a 2.0 term GPA as you work to return to Good Standing. Otherwise, you risk more serious consequences.
- Academic Suspension: Should your term GPA fall below 2.0 while you're on Probation, UM then Suspends you from taking courses. A first Suspension lasts for at least one full fall or spring semester, and you must apply for readmission and undergo a readmission interview. Second Suspensions last for at least one full year. You should know as well that there is no guarantee you can return to UM following a second Suspension.
Dealing With Academic Standing Decisions
Unfortunately, the University of Memphis does not offer any formal processes for appealing an academic sanction, even dismissal. Such decisions are based exclusively on GPA, and that's not normally open to challenge.
Luckily, the attorneys at the Lento Law Firm have been helping students long enough to have learned a few tips, tricks, and strategies that can help you avoid an academic sanction. For example,
- Extenuating circumstances can sometimes be grounds for more time to improve. You always have the option of appealing directly to your school or college dean. You'll need a compelling argument, though, and clear evidence.
- You are entitled to fair treatment in the classroom. Any time you feel an instructor is mistreating you, you should report that to the instructor's department head. At a minimum, you have the right to file a formal grade appeal.
- Some low grades are the result of academic misconduct allegations. If your instructor believes you've cheated on an exam or committed some form of plagiarism, they can lower your grade on the assignment or lower your grade in the course. They can even fail you outright. However, you can appeal their decisions, and you're even entitled to defend yourself at a full hearing if necessary.
- If you consistently struggle to pass your courses, you may be suffering from an undiagnosed learning disability like ADD or ADHD. If it turns out that you have such a disability, you can petition the university to drop low grades from your GPA. Then, you can retake those courses without penalty, with appropriate accommodations in place.
- Faculty will sometimes consider makeup or extra credit work, especially if you have a borderline grade. One makeup lab assignment or a paper rewrite could boost your GPA enough to avoid a sanction.
- Some faculty will consider other kinds of grade negotiation as well. For example, if you performed especially well on your final exam, you might try asking your instructor to use that score as your course grade.
Even your advisor may not know about these and other options for boosting your grades. Most of them haven't been doing this as long as the attorneys at the Lento Law Firm have, and they aren't as dedicated to your academic future as we are. If you're facing an academic sanction—warning, Probation, or suspension—we'll sit down with you and review your specific situation. We'll suggest a course of action, and we'll work with you to put a plan into effect. Whether you need to file an appeal, want to know how to negotiate with a professor, or just need to know which school official to contact, we're here for you.
And, if the worst should happen and you should wind up suspended, we can also help you file a readmission appeal. We're skilled at drafting these documents, we know what counts as the best evidence, and we're experienced at making students look good on paper.
What Can the Lento Law Firm Do for You?
Your University of Memphis 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 online form.
