We know exactly what you're going to ask. How is a law firm supposed to help you with academic progress issues? You haven't been accused of shoplifting or driving while intoxicated. You're trying to figure out how to do differential equations.
So, let's start there. College success isn't just about mastering the Periodic Table and how to use MLA formatting correctly. It's about figuring out how to challenge a professor's unfair grading policy, and knowing what qualifies as a legitimate excuse for missing an exam and uncovering proof you uploaded your midterm paper when the course web page insists you didn't. In short, it's about knowing how to navigate the system. As hard as it may be to believe, knowing how to use the system to your advantage can actually raise your GPA.
Who knows more about navigating systems and dealing with bureaucratic red tape than lawyers? And no lawyers know more about educational red tape than the Lento Law Firm's Educational Law Team. We were founded to help students, and we've helped hundreds of clients thrive at their universities.
What can we do for you? Call 888-535-3686 today, or take a little time now and tell us what kind of problem you're facing.
Academic Progress Standards at Indiana State University
OK. So, what exactly does "academic progress" actually mean? Like other colleges and universities, Indiana State has a policy that tells you what it means. The academic standing policy describes what it means to be in “good” standing, and it explains in detail what happens when you're struggling in the classroom. Here's what it says.
- Good Standing: Your goal should always be to keep your cumulative grade point at 2.0 or better. Do that, and you remain in good standing.
- Academic Probation: Any time your GPA falls below that 2.0 number, Indiana State places you on academic probation. As part of probation, you're limited to no more than 13 hours per term. In addition, the university encourages you to meet with an advisor before you register. Your primary goal while on probation should be to return to good standing.
- Academic Dismissal: Should you continue to struggle while on probation, you can also find yourself dismissed from the university. For freshmen this happens if your term GPA falls below 1.7. Sophomores must maintain a 2.0 term GPA to avoid dismissals. And juniors and seniors on probation must earn at least a 2.2 to avoid dismissal. First dismissals last for at least one semester. Second dismissals last for a full year. You must petition your academic dean to return to the university, and your return is not guaranteed.
Third dismissals are permanent.
Dealing With Academic Sanctions
Indiana State's academic standing policy makes no mention of any formal process for challenging a sanction or questioning your status. The university assumes that your GPA is an objective fact that isn't up for debate.
As we mentioned already, though, your grades can often have as much to do with Indiana State's system as they do with how well you do on exams and papers. Luckily, attorneys at the Lento Law Firm know how to use the system to your advantage, and they can show you how to keep your grades up and avoid probation and dismissal. For instance,
- While there are no formal ways to appeal your academic status, you can file an informal petition with the dean of your school or college any time you are dealing with extenuating circumstances. A long-term illness or a family emergency may be grounds for more time to improve.
- You should never suffer mistreatment in the classroom. If you feel an instructor is treating you unfairly, you should report this to your instructor's department head. At a minimum, this will lay the groundwork for a grade appeal once the semester is over.
- If you struggle in most or all of your courses, you may be dealing with an undiagnosed learning disability. The law gives you the right to fair testing and, if you do have such a disability, to appropriate course accommodations. You can also petition Indiana State to drop low grades from your GPA. Then, you can retake those courses for replacement credit.
- Instructors have the power to lower your grades if they think you've cheated or committed some form of plagiarism. However, you can appeal their decisions. Even if you do admit to making a mistake, you can question the severity of your sanction.
- Some faculty are open to direct grade negotiation. If you have a compelling argument, you might try asking an instructor to raise your grade. For instance, a strong performance on a cumulative final exam might be grounds for using that final grade as your course grade.
- One of the easiest kinds of grade negotiation is to ask an instructor for extra credit or makeup work. Your instructor can say no, but enough will agree that you can usually use this method to keep your GPA where it needs to be.
Of course, every situation is different, and no one strategy is going to work for everyone. When you contact the Lento Law Firm, your attorney will sit down with you and go over the particulars of your situation. They'll offer a recommendation that's particularly suited to what you're dealing with. They won't just make a recommendation, though. They'll also work with you to implement a plan. They can help you to file an appeal, for example, coach you in negotiation tactics or call disability services on your behalf. The Lento Law Firm attorneys are always ready to use every available resource to help you reach your academic goals.
What Can the Lento Law Firm Do For You?
Your University of Indiana 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 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.
