Congratulations on making it into Boise State. That's no small accomplishment. It took hard work, dedication, and a lot of studying. If there was any justice in the world, you could relax a little now. You've proven you care about your education. You should be able to take classes at your own pace without worrying about things like tests and papers.
Unfortunately, college doesn't work like that. Turns out, the hard work is just beginning. College courses are more rigorous than high school courses, and most professors are far more demanding than even the strictest high school teachers. Plus, you've got something to worry about you didn't have just a few months ago: adulting.
What do you do if your GPA should fall a little? What do you do if it should fall a lot?
You call the Lento Law Firm. We're dedicated to helping students like you navigate the often-confusing bureaucracy that is university education. We know who to talk to when you have a problem. We also know what to say. And we're ready to use what we know to get you back on track. To find out how call us today at 888-535-3686 or use our automated online form.
Academic Progression at Boise State University
University success involves making steady progress in one class, one semester, at a time. To make sure you do that, Boise State maintains an academic standing policy. In simple terms, that policy sets the minimum standards you need to meet each semester. It also imposes consequences any time you're not meeting those standards.
Here's what you need to know about how the policy operates.
- Good Standing: Good standing means you're doing just fine, moving forward exactly as you need to. To remain in good standing at Boise State, you must keep a minimum grade point average of 2.0 (1.75 if you're a freshman).
- Probation: Should your GPA fall below 2.0 at any point, you're placed on probation. While on probation, you must complete the Bronco Rebound online workshop before you can register for the next semester. Otherwise, your primary responsibility is returning to good standing. The good news is that you can take as long as you need to do that as long as your term GPA remains above 2.0. The bad news is that if your term GPA should fall as well, you face more serious consequences.
- Dismissal: Should your term GPA fall below 2.0 while you're on probation, Boise State will dismiss you altogether. A first dismissal lasts for a minimum of one semester, and you must apply for readmission. A second dismissal lasts for at least one full academic year. Third, dismissals are permanent.
Dealing With Academic Standing Decisions
The ability to apply for readmission after dismissal can be a valuable safety net. If it's one you need, the Lento Law Firm can be a useful resource. We'll work with you to complete your application materials, help you gather evidence of your academic ability, and make sure you put your best foot forward.
However, the better option is to avoid dismissal in the first place. Unfortunately, you cannot appeal an academic sanction like probation or dismissal. However, the attorneys at the Lento Law Firm know a number of valuable strategies for avoiding sanctions altogether. For example,
- If your academic deficiencies were caused by extenuating circumstances, such as a death in the family or a serious illness, you can petition the dean of your school or college for more time to improve.
- You deserve fair treatment in the classroom. Any time you feel an instructor is mistreating you, you should report that mistreatment immediately to the instructor's department head. You may be entitled to some form of grade relief.
- Your low grades could be the result of an academic misconduct allegation. If your instructor believes you're guilty of cheating or plagiarism, they have the authority to lower your grades on assignments or lower your course grade. However, you have the right to appeal your instructor's decisions to a university Appeals Board.
- Many disabilities entitle you to course accommodations. If you are denied such accommodations, you can appeal to Disability Services. If you should discover you have a previously undiagnosed disability, you can also petition the university to drop low grades from your GPA and allow you to retake those courses without penalty.
- Some Boise State faculty are willing to negotiate grades. You might ask for makeup work or extra credit, for example. Or, if your final exam grade was particularly high, you might argue that it should serve as your course grade.
A Lento Law Firm attorney can advise you about these and other options for keeping your GPA above the danger zone. They can help you develop a plan, and they'll work with you to put that plan into action. The Lento Law Firm's Education Law Team can coach you on how to negotiate with faculty, draft documents on your behalf, and make sure your university treats you fairly. We're on your side, and we'll do whatever it takes to get you the best possible resolution to your situation.
What Can the Lento Law Firm Do for You?
There may be no more complex bureaucracy in America than university systems. It's hard enough taking classes, getting used to living with someone and making good decisions about when to study and when to party. You don't have time to figure out how the Boise State system works too.
It turns out that lawyers are especially good at dealing with bureaucracy. It's like a whole course in law school. The Education Law Team at the Lento Law Firm was specifically created to deal with educational bureaucracy. We know the law; we know how your school operates, and we're ready to put what we know to work in service of your future.
At the first sign of trouble, don't wait. Let the Lento Law Firm help you before you reach the point of probation or dismissal. Call today at 888-535-3686 or use our automated online form.
