You probably know the “basics” of college success. You know, for example, that you have to get to class every day. When you're not in class, you have to maximize your study time. You've probably heard advice about visiting professors during office hours and joining study groups, and maybe you've even tried a few of these strategies.
Here's a little secret you may not know, though: Ferris State's success can be as much about learning to navigate the university system as it is about learning the Periodic Table. We're not telling you not to study, but if you know who to talk to when you have a problem and what to say, it can supercharge all of your efforts in the classroom and make keeping your GPA up far easier.
It may never have occurred to you that an attorney could help you with academics, but here's the reality—no one knows more about bureaucratic systems than lawyers. And no one knows more about educational bureaucracy than the Lento Law Firm's Education Law Team. We're dedicated to helping students reach their dreams. We work every day with faculty and administrators, and along the way, we've learned more than a few tricks for using the "system" to your advantage.
What can we do for you? Call 888-535-3686 today to find out, or take a little time now and tell us what kind of problem you're facing.
Academic Progress Standards at FSU
Let's start with a straightforward question. What exactly does "academic progress" mean at FSU? After all, you didn't have to worry about "progress" as a high school student. You might have to retake a course, but no one could kick you out over low grades. Turns out that can happen at Ferris.
Like most colleges and universities, FSU maintains something called an academic standing policy. That policy sets clear academic standards all students are required to meet, and it describes a series of progressive consequences for students who aren't meeting them.
- Good Standing: You begin your academic career in good standing, and you want to remain in good standing as much as you possibly can. It means you're making appropriate progress towards your degree. It also means you don't have to worry about any extra requirements. How do you stay in good standing? Keep your cumulative grade point average at 2.0 or better.
- Academic Probation: The obvious next question is, what happens if your GPA falls below 2.0? The answer is that FSU places you on academic probation. You can also be placed on probation after two consecutive semesters with term GPAs below 2.0. As part of probation, you must enroll in between 12 and 14 hours of course credit.
- Academic Dismissal: If the dean of your college feels you aren't making proper progress while on probation, they can dismiss you entirely. You can also be dismissed if your GPA falls below certain minimums based on how many credit hours you've completed, even if you haven't yet been placed on probation.
- If you have fewer than 21 credit hours, you can be dismissed for a GPA below 1.4.
- If you are between 21 and 31 credits, the number is 1.6.
- Students between 31 and 51 credits need a 1.7 to remain enrolled.
- Between 51 and 68 credits, you need a 1.8.
- Between 68 and 98, you need a 1.9.
- And if you have more than 98 credits, you can be dismissed for a GPA below 2.0
You can gain readmission following a dismissal. However, you must complete at least 12 hours at another school and you must earn a minimum 2.0 for all of these credit hours.
Dealing With Academic Sanctions
If your academic deficiencies are the result of extenuating circumstances, such as a serious bout of depression or a death in the family, FSU offers an appeals process for avoiding dismissal. If this is the situation you find yourself in, your Lento Law Firm attorney can help you document these circumstances and draft a strong appeal.
However, the Lento Law Firm attorney can also offer some practical suggestions for keeping your GPA up in the first place, suggestions that go beyond simply studying harder or hiring a tutor. For example,
- You can always try the old standby of asking instructors for extra credit or makeup assignments. It could be that an extra lab assignment or a paper rewrite is enough to pull a borderline grade higher and, thus, salvage your grade point.
- You will sometimes come across instructors who, for one reason or another, refuse to treat you fairly. You should report these instructors immediately to their department heads. You may be able to get some immediate relief, but at a minimum, this will lay the groundwork to allow you to file a formal grade appeal later.
- A low GPA can be a sign of an undiagnosed learning disability. Disability Services provides testing and can help you get appropriate course accommodations if necessary. You can also petition FSU to drop low grades from your GPA. Then, you can retake those courses for replacement credit.
- If an instructor accuses you of cheating or plagiarism, they have the authority to lower your grade. They can even fail you outright. However, you have the right to demonstrate your innocence—as part of an official hearing, if necessary.
- You can also try negotiating with faculty if you have a compelling argument. For instance, your individual scores in a course may add up to an F, but sufficient progress might be grounds for a passing grade.
The Lento Law Firm attorney will go over your academic situation with you and help you come up with a plan for moving forward, whether that means drafting a formal appeal or making sure you get proper disability testing. We can even, if necessary, negotiate directly with FSU on your behalf.
If the worst should happen, though, and you should find yourself dismissed, we're also experienced at filing readmission petitions. We are always on your side and committed to finding an academic path forward for you.
What Can the Lento Law Firm Do for You?
Your Ferris State diploma is far more than just a piece of paper. It's your avenue to a successful career. If it's under threat for any reason, 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 progress 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.
