You care about your education. You're working as hard as you possibly can to keep your GPA up. It still doesn't seem to be enough, though. You're in class every day, even that eight a.m. class. When you're not in class, you're studying. You've been to your professors' office hours. You've joined study groups and spent time with tutors. You're still struggling.
Sometimes, college success is less about how much you study than it is about how well you navigate the system. A university like Fort Hays State University (FHSU) is an enormous bureaucracy, and if you don't know how to work your way through it effectively, college can be far more difficult than it needs to be.
You don't have to go it alone, though. The Lento Law Firm is here to help. Our Education Law Team doesn't just know the law. They know how FHSU operates. They know exactly who to call when you have a problem and exactly what to say. They know what to do if you think you might have a learning disability and how to negotiate effectively with professors. If you're having trouble meeting FHSU's academic progress requirements, they know strategies that can help.
First, though, you have to contact them. Call 888-535-3686 to find out what the Lento Law Firm can do for you, or take a little time now and tell us about your situation.
Academic Progression at Fort Hays State University
What does academic progress actually mean at FHSU? You know, of course, that you need to make good grades and keep your GPA up. In concrete terms, though, what's required of you as a student? The answers are found in the university's academic standing policy. Here's what it has to say.
- Good Standing: This is always the goal. As long as you're in good standing, FHSU assumes you are making steady progress toward your degree. The university defines good standing as a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or better. Any time your GPA falls below this number, you are subject to either probation or suspension, depending on how far your grades fall.
- Academic Probation: This is a warning status designed to let you know that you're in danger of more serious consequences. While on probation, you can continue to register for courses so long as your GPA does not drop further.
- Academic Suspension: If your GPA drops below a certain level defined by how many hours you've earned, you then face suspension. Suspension means temporary separation from the university. You can file an appeal for readmission, but you must be able to demonstrate that you are capable of succeeding academically. Your return is not guaranteed.
- If you've earned between 0 and 29 hours, you are suspended any time your GPA drops below 1.6.
- If you've earned between 30 and 59 hours, you are suspended any time your GPA drops below 1.7.
- If you've earned between 60 and 89 hours, you are suspended any time your GPA drops below 1.8.
- If you've earned more than 90 hours, you are suspended any time your GPA drops below 1.9.
- Finally, if after returning from a suspension you continue to struggle academically, FHSU then dismisses you entirely. Dismissal means permanent separation from the university with no option to return.
Dealing With Academic Standing Decisions
If you've already been suspended from FHSU, the Lento Law Firm attorney can work with you to submit your readmission appeal. We've worked with hundreds of students, and we're familiar with all of Fort Hays State University's administrative procedures. We know what the Academic Reinstatement Board looks for in these appeals, and we know what makes for the strongest arguments.
If you're simply worried about the prospect of probation or suspension, we can help you as well. Again, we know how to use the system to keep your GPA up.
- Extenuating circumstances can be grounds for avoiding academic sanctions. If you've been dealing with depression, or you've had to take time off to handle a family crisis, you can try petitioning your school or college dean directly for additional time to improve.
- If you consistently struggle to pass your courses, you could be suffering from an undiagnosed learning disability such as ADD or ADHD. The Lento Law Firm attorney can help you get tested, and if it turns out you do have such a disability, you can talk with FHSU about dropping low grades from your GPA. You can then retake those courses with proper accommodations in place.
- If you've been given a low grade because of a cheating or plagiarism allegation, the Lento Law Firm attorney can help you challenge your instructor's decisions.
- If you feel an instructor is biased against you, you should report this immediately to that instructor's department head. You may be entitled to some form of grade adjustment. At a minimum, you can file a grade appeal with the department.
- Some instructors will assign extra credit and makeup work to students with borderline grades. You may have to ask them directly, but the worst they can say is no.
- You can also try negotiating with faculty for higher grades, though this is usually a more delicate procedure. You need a compelling argument, like a clear improvement over the course of the semester, and you need some skill in the process of negotiation.
Not every approach will work in every situation. You can be sure, though, that the Lento Law Firm attorney will go over your case carefully and come up with a solution that's right for you. In addition, they'll work with you to put your plan into action, whether that means coaching you in the art of negotiation, filing an appeal with the dean, or simply figuring out who you should contact about your particular problem.
What Can the Lento Law Firm Do For You?
Your Fort Hays State University 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 online form.
