You've hit a rough patch with your schooling, and your grades have slipped. Maybe you've been forced to drop a class and realize that you're not progressing as well as you should. Your school realizes this, too, and sends you a warning that if things don't improve, you'll be placed on academic probation. Or – worse – that you are being placed on academic probation. What should you do?

While academic probation can be a significant blow to your confidence, it doesn't have to be. In many cases, it's the incentive you need to take a close look at your study habits and the courses you're taking and to figure out what you can do to improve. In some cases, a negotiated period of academic probation can save you from suspension or dismissal from your school. This is where the experienced attorneys from the Lento Law Firm's Student Defense Team can help. Call us at 888.535.3686 or use our contact form to reach out to us; we'll schedule a confidential consultation to discuss your situation and how we can help.

When Academic Probation Can Happen

Each school has its own standards for when students are placed on academic probation. Sometimes, a school will have more than one standard; some majors may require students to maintain a higher GPA than others. For example, many schools require students to maintain a 2.0 GPA (out of 4.0) if they are to remain enrolled in the school. However, for students enrolled in certain majors, the standard might be 2.3. In that case, a student in that major who is below a 2.3 may be placed on academic probation by their major, and if they fail to raise their grade, they may be forced to declare a different major that has a lower GPA threshold.

Students are typically warned at the close of a grading period if they are in danger of being placed on academic probation or if they have been warned and have failed to raise their GPA that the school is placing them on academic probation.

What Happens if I'm Placed on Academic Probation?

If you receive a warning that you may be placed on academic probation, that is your signal to take steps to raise your grades so that you aren't placed on probation. If you are notified that you are being placed on academic probation, you will generally have a semester to show that your grades are improving. Each school will have its own policies as to how it handles students on academic probation.

There may actually be some benefits to being placed on academic probation. You may be able to work with an advisor to pinpoint the issues you are facing with your coursework and to develop a personalized plan to help you overcome those issues. Many schools offer study skills workshops or seminars for students on academic probation, designed to help them develop effective study habits, time management skills, and test-taking strategies. Sometimes, schools will offer access to mentors who may be students or teachers who have faced and overcome similar learning challenges and who can offer support and advice.

How the Lento Law Firm's Student Defense Team Can Help

If you have been having problems meeting your school's academic requirements, even after you've been warned or placed on probation, the Lento Law Firm's Student Defense Team may be able to help you negotiate a resolution with your school that will allow you to remain enrolled while you continue to work to improve your grades. There are many different reasons why students are unable to meet their school's GPA requirements – in some cases, they have little to do with the student's abilities and much to do with things that are out of the student's control. Family issues, personal problems, health challenges – any of these can stand in the way of effective learning.

With one of the experienced advocates from the Lento Law Firm's Student Defense Team by your side, you will have someone who can discuss your situation with your school and work with school officials to arrive at an agreement that will give you the chance you need to show that you have what it takes to meet your school's academic requirements. Our attorneys have experience helping students who are facing academic challenges at school to overcome those challenges and succeed.

If you are facing serious academic issues at your school, ones that jeopardize your continued enrollment, contact the Lento Law Firm's Student Defense Team for help. We can be reached at 888.535.3686 or by filling out our contact form so we can schedule a confidential consultation. Don't give up on yourself! Let us help you show your school – and yourself – that you can succeed!