There's no magic secret to succeeding in college. You've got to go to class, you've got to study, you've got to earn good grades.
Sometimes, though, all of that is easier said than done. Keep in mind that you're in a unique situation. You're not just a student anymore. You're out on your own, trying to establish your independence. Learning calculus has a higher degree of difficulty when you're trying to learn how to adult at the same time.
Plenty of students struggle. More than a few don't make it. How do you make sure you do?
At the very first sign of trouble, you call the Lento Law Firm at 888-535-3686. How's an attorney supposed to help you get better grades? You might be surprised. Below you'll find information on just what kinds of academic problems you're likely to run into over the next four years. We'll also explain how we can help you deal with a lot of these. For now, just know that we understand what you're up against, and we'll do whatever it takes to keep your academic future bright. You can also complete our online contact form, and we will get back to you.
Academic Progression at Georgia Southern
Every child in America has the right to a primary and secondary education. That's not true when it comes to college. If you want to make it through, you have to meet the standards set by Georgia Southern's Academic Standing policy. Under this policy, Good standing means a GPA above 2.0. Anything under that number and you'll face a progressive series of consequences.
- Academic Warning: If you fail to meet the 2.0 requirement after your first semester at Georgia Southern, you're issued an Academic Warning.
- Academic Probation: If your cumulative GPA should fall below 2.0 at any point after your first semester, you are placed on Academic Probation. You can remain on Probation until you return to Good standing, so long as your term GPA is at least 2.25.
- Academic Suspension: Should your term GPA fall below 2.25 while you're on probation and your overall GPA remain below 2.0, you'll then face Suspension from the university. A first suspension lasts for a full academic year.
- When you return from Suspension, you are initially placed on Academic Warning status. Should you reach the level of Suspension again, you'll be required to remain away from the university for at least three years before you can apply for readmission.
Dealing With Academic Standing Decisions
Georgia Southern does offer an appeals process for students who have been suspended from the university. Appeals should be directed to the Academic Standards Committee. You must have a clear basis for your appeal, such as extenuating circumstances, and you'll need documentation to support your appeal. Should this appeal fail, you then have the option of appealing further to the dean of your school or college. This official's decisions are final, and you may submit only one approved appeal over the course of your career at GSU. Successful appeals mean you'll be reinstated immediately at the university under “Indeterminate” status.
What do you do if you don't have an extenuating circumstance to explain your academic deficiencies? For that matter, what do you do to avoid lesser sanctions like Probation? Luckily, the attorneys at the Lento Law Firm know a number of informal strategies for keeping your GPA up.
- You are always entitled to fair treatment in the classroom. Any time an instructor mistreats you, you should report this immediately to their department head. If the department head refuses to act, you then have the option to file a formal grievance with the university.
- Some low grades are caused by academic misconduct allegations. Your instructor has the authority to accuse you of cheating and plagiarism, and if they decide you're guilty, they have the further authority to lower your grades. However, you have the right to challenge their decisions through a University Student Conduct Board hearing.
- Disabilities are often grounds for course accommodations. If, for instance, you have ADD or ADHD, you may be entitled to extra time to complete assignments. If you should discover you have a disability, you can petition Georgia Southern to drop your lower grades and allow you to retake those courses with accommodations in place.
- Makeup work and extra credit assignments can be an easy way to pull your GPA up and avoid a sanction. You have to be willing to ask for these assignments, though.
- Some faculty are also willing to negotiate grades. If you have a compelling argument to make, such as an especially high final exam, you might be able to convince them to raise your course grade enough to avoid a standing sanction.
Your advisor probably won't tell you about these and other options. They may not even know about some of them. The attorneys at the Lento Law Firm have been doing this a long time, though. We know all the tips and tricks for making it through college. We'll not only help you come up with a plan, but we'll work with you to implement it, whether that means drafting appeal documents or coaching you in the art of negotiation.
What Can the Lento Law Firm Do For You?
Students ask all the time: How is an attorney supposed to help me make it through college? It's a fair question. After all, it's not like you're on trial for shoplifting. You need help with your grades. That's normally a matter of keeping up with your reading, visiting the writing center, and getting assignments in on time.
The thing is, though, succeeding in college is often as much about navigating bureaucracy as it is about writing papers and taking exams. No one knows more about dealing with bureaucracy than attorneys, and no one knows more about dealing with educational bureaucracy than the Educational Law Team at the Lento Law Firm. That team was assembled specifically to handle student conduct and academic progress issues.
The attorneys at the Lento Law Firm are 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 888-535-3686 or use our automated online form.
