We all know that college success takes hard work. It's about getting up and going to class every day, putting in the study time, writing papers, and acing exams.
Here's what not everyone realizes, though: college success is also about learning to navigate the system. You have to figure out how to get along with difficult professors, who to talk to if your course platform suddenly says you're not in that class anymore, and what to do if you suddenly find yourself dealing with a major family crisis and need a week or two off.
The studying and writing papers parts? That's on you. There's just no substitute for hard work when it comes to keeping your GPA up. For all the rest, you can count on the Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team to be here when you need them. They know the UTSA system. They know who to talk to when you have a problem and what to say. They're experienced at negotiating with faculty and administrators. Most importantly, they believe in you, and they're dedicated to helping you achieve the academic success you deserve.
Academic Progression at the University of Texas, San Antonio
First things first: what does college success actually mean? For the most part, it comes down to satisfying UT, San Antonio's academic standing policy. “Good” standing means keeping your cumulative grade point average above 2.0. The problems start if your GPA should fall below that number.
- Academic Warning: Lots of students struggle during their first semester in college. If your GPA is between 1.0 and 1.99 that first semester, UTSA issues you an Academic Warning. As part of Warning status, you're required to visit with an academic advisor before registering for the next semester.
- Academic Probation: Should your GPA fall after your first semester, you'll find yourself on Academic Probation. In addition to meeting with an academic advisor, you must develop a “remedial plan” and stick to it. The good news is you can remain on Academic Probation as long as it takes to return to Good standing, provided you earn at least a 2.0 semester GPA.
- Academic Dismissal: If your semester GPA is below 2.0 while on probation, you're then subject to Academic Dismissal. First dismissals last for at least one semester, and your return is not guaranteed. Second dismissals last for a full year. Third dismissals mean permanent expulsion from the university.
Dealing With Academic Dismissal
In order to gain readmission after dismissal from UTSA, you must file a Petition for Reinstatement with the Reinstatement Committee or the Dean of your school or college. If your petition is denied, you must wait an additional semester before applying again.
A number of components go into a successful petition. You must, for instance, be able to explain what led you to struggle in the first place. Likewise, you want to demonstrate to the committee that you have a plan in place for improvement. You might also want to offer some evidence of your academic potential, proof that your low GPA doesn't define your ability.
The Lento Law Firm Education Law Team has filed hundreds of reinstatement petitions. You can count on them to know exactly what the committee is looking for and to work with you to create a petition package that puts you in the very best light.
Dealing With Other Academic Sanctions
Not every school allows dismissed students to reapply, and the fact that UTSA does is a mark of just how much it wants students to succeed.
The thing is, a dismissal can be a disruptive experience, even if you are ultimately readmitted. At a minimum, it throws off your timeline. Most students find it difficult to return from a dismissal since it can also affect their study habits and their overall motivation. You're far better at avoiding dismissal in the first place.
Luckily, the Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team knows a number of useful strategies for dealing with all types of academic sanctions and keeping your academic progress steady. For instance,
- If your low grades were caused by extenuating circumstances—a family emergency, for instance, or a long-term illness—you can appeal directly to the dean of your particular college. They may be willing to give you more time to improve before imposing a sanction.
- Learning disabilities are far more common than most students realize. If you consistently struggle to make good grades, you might consider visiting Disability Services. If it turns out you have a disability, you may be entitled to drop low grades from your GPA and retake those courses with accommodations in place.
- Some faculty are willing to negotiate grades if you have a compelling argument. For example, maybe you feel your improvement over the course of a semester shows you deserve to pass, even if your individual scores don't actually add up to a passing grade.
If you're struggling to meet UTSA's academic standing policy, the Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team can help you design a plan for success and help you put it into action.
Premier Lento Law Firm Education Law Team
Students sometimes ask: how exactly is an attorney-advisor supposed to help me with academic issues? It's a fair question. 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.
As the information on this page suggests, though, succeeding in college is often as much about dealing with bureaucracy as it is about writing papers and taking exams. No one knows more about bureaucracy than attorneys, and no one knows more about how to handle educational bureaucracy than the Lento Law Firm Educational Law Team. That team was assembled specifically to handle student conduct and academic progress issues.
The Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team is 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.
