You made it into the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. That's a significant accomplishment, one you can be proud of. Getting in isn't the same thing as graduating, though. Coursework at UNC Greensboro can be tough, and professors are demanding. Plenty of grade points fall during the first few semesters when students are getting their feet under them. Plenty fall late in college careers as well, as students start looking ahead and take their eyes off the ball.
If it has happened to you, we can help. It doesn't really matter what led to your grades slipping a bit; The Lento Law Firm's Education Law Team knows the best tips and tricks for getting you back on track. We've been doing this for a long time, and we've helped hundreds of students. Along the way, we've learned how to navigate education bureaucracy, and we can help you to better understand the UNC-Greensboro system and use it to your advantage.
Here's the thing, though: you need to respond sooner rather than later to any educational issues you might be facing. Academic sanctions are usually light in the beginning, but they can get serious very quickly. Don't wait. The minute you sense you might be struggling, contact The Lento Law Firm at 888-535-3686, or take a little time now and tell us about your situation.
Academic Progression at UNC-Greensboro
Different people define college success in different ways. Some people talk about getting a good job once you've earned your diploma; some talk about making friends that will last a lifetime or figuring out just who you are. UNC-Greensboro offers a more concrete definition of college success. According to the academic standing policy, “good” standing means keeping your cumulative grade point average above 2.0 and completing at least two-thirds of all the course hours you attempt every semester. Pretty straightforward. If you can't meet these two standards, though, things can get complicated quickly.
- Academic Warning: You're issued a warning any time your completion percentage falls below 67 percent for a term, so long as your GPA remains above 2.0. Keep in mind that "completion" means passing courses. "F"s count against you. "W"s and "Incompletes" do as well. If you receive a warning, you are required to complete the university's Academic Resources and Knowledge program.
- Academic Probation: This occurs any time your GPA falls below the 2.0 mark. While on probation, UNC-Greensboro limits you to 16 hours a semester (8 during summer terms). Your primary goal, though, is to return to good standing. You can remain on probation as long as it takes you to do that. However, you must earn at least a 2.3 every term. Otherwise, you risk more serious sanctions.
- Academic Suspension: If you are on probation and either your term GPA falls below 2.3 or you fail to complete two-thirds of your courses, you are then suspended from UNC-Greensboro. Suspensions last for one full academic term. While serving your suspension, the university expects you to make productive use of your time, taking courses from another institution, working, or doing volunteer work. Readmission is automatic, but you must complete an Academic Re-Orientation (ARO) when you return, and you return on academic probation status.
- Academic Dismissal: If you can't reach the 2.3 term GPA mark set as part of your probation, you are then dismissed from UNC – Greensboro. Dismissals last for at least a year, and you must appeal your dismissal and apply for readmission to the university. Your return is not guaranteed.
Dealing With Academic Standing Decisions
UNC-Greensboro offers an appeals process for students facing suspension or dismissal. A successful appeal means immediate reinstatement at the university for an additional term. However, appeals are based strictly on extenuating circumstances. If you've been dealing with a family crisis, for instance, or a long-term illness, you may be able to get one more semester to improve your GPA. The attorneys at The Lento Law Firm are experienced in filing these types of appeals. We know how to assemble evidence and how to draft the appeal itself.
Not every low GPA is the result of an extenuating circumstance, though. Or, you may be looking to prevent warning or probation status before you get to the point of suspension. Luckily, the attorneys at The Lento Law Firm also know several informal strategies for students who are struggling. For example,
- If you seem to struggle in all or most of your classes, you might consider visiting the university's Disability Services office. This office can get you tested, and if you have a disability, we can work with you to put course accommodations in place. In addition, you can ask UNC-Greensboro to drop low grades from your transcript and allow you to retake those courses without penalty.
- Low grades are sometimes the result of accusations of academic misconduct. Your instructors have the power to accuse you of cheating and plagiarism and to assign sanctions like lowered grades on assignments or lowered course grades. However, you can appeal their decisions to the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities.
- Some UNC–Greensboro instructors are open to the process of negotiation. If, for instance, you've shown progress over the course of a term, you might try arguing that you should pass the course even if your individual scores don't add up to a passing grade.
- You might also try asking instructors for makeup or extra credit work. Not all faculty are receptive to such requests, but if they are, this can be an easy way to raise a borderline grade and, by extension, your overall GPA.
- You have the right to fair treatment in the classroom. Anytime you feel an instructor is mistreating you, you should report that to their department head. This can sometimes result in higher grades.
Every situation is different, and we understand that your particular situation requires its own particular solution. You can count on your Lento Law Firm attorney to sit down with you and work out an individualized plan. We'll also work with you to implement that plan, whether that means helping you file a formal appeal or simply helping you figure out who you need to talk with.
What Can The Lento Law Firm Do for You?
Your UNC-Greensboro 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.
