College isn't like high school. OK, it's a little like high school: you take classes in both; you have teachers in both. College classes are much more rigorous than most high school classes, though, and professors can make even the strictest high school teachers look relaxed by comparison. Oh, and one other thing: no matter how badly you do in high school, they won't throw you out. That's not the way it works in college.
If you're struggling to keep your GPA up at James Madison University, at some point, you're going to run head-first into the school's academic progress requirement. When you do, you're at risk of Probation, Suspension, and even Dismissal.
Here's the good news, though: we can help with all of that. The Lento Law Firm's Education Law Team knows how to navigate university systems, and we've helped hundreds of students salvage their GPAs and finish their degrees. We know exactly who to contact any time you have a problem, and we know exactly what to say. Also, we're always on your side. Our goal is to make sure students get fair treatment from their universities.
So, when you get that first D or F, don't wait to see what might happen next. Call 888-535-3686 to find out what the Lento Law Firm can do for you, or use our online form.
Academic Progression at James Madison
Like every other college and university, James Madison maintains something called an academic standing policy. The purpose of these policies is to keep students on track as they move toward their diplomas. They describe what's needed to make steady progress, and they set clear penalties for students who aren't making that progress.
Here's what JMU's policy has to say.
- Good Standing: Good Standing is where you want to be. It means you're doing what you need to do to make it successfully to graduation. To remain in Good Standing, you need to keep your cumulative grade point average above 2.0.
- Academic Notice: Any time your semester GPA dips below 2.0, you receive Academic Notice. This is JMU's way of checking in on you, sort of like a warning status. You're still in Good Standing, but the university wants you to know it's paying attention.
- Academic Probation: When your cumulative GPA drops below 2.0, you fall out of Good Standing and into Academic Probation. You're limited, while on Probation, to no more than 13 hours a term. In addition, you may be required to meet regularly with your academic advisor. Your main concern while you're on Probation, though, has to be returning to Good Standing.
- Academic Suspension: Should your GPA fall even lower than 2.0, you can also be subject to Suspension, even if you haven't previously received Probation. The Suspension cutoff number is based on a sliding scale that depends on how many hours you've completed. For example, if you've completed between 1 and 27 hours, anything below a 1.5 will get you suspended. On the other hand, if you've completed more than 120 hours, you can be suspended just for dropping below a 2.0. A first Academic Suspension lasts for at least 12 months. A second Academic Suspension lasts for at least 24 months. In addition, you must apply for readmission after a second Suspension, and your return is not guaranteed.
- Academic Dismissal: Finally, should you be Suspended a third time, James Madison dismisses you entirely. There is no appeal for Dismissal, and your separation from the university is permanent.
Dealing With Academic Standing Decisions
It's important you know that James Madison University does not offer a formal appeals process for any academic sanction: Probation, Suspension, or Dismissal.
That does not mean you have to simply accept such sanctions. There are always options for avoiding a sanction and getting your academic career back on track. For example,
- If your low grades are the result of extenuating circumstances—like a family emergency or a serious illness—you can try appealing directly to your school or college dean. They may be willing to give you more time to improve rather than issue a sanction.
- A low GPA is sometimes a sign of a deeper problem. You might consider getting tested by Disability Services for a learning disability. A disability often entitles you to special course accommodations, like extra time to complete assignments. In addition, you may be able to convince the university to drop low grades from your transcript and allow you to retake those courses with your accommodations in place.
- Academic misconduct allegations can be another cause of low grades. If an instructor believes you've cheated on an exam or plagiarized a paper, they have the power to take assignment points away, lower your course grade, or even fail you outright. However, you always have the right to challenge their decisions by filing an appeal with the JMU Honor Council.
- Some faculty will participate in grade negotiation if you have a compelling argument. Even if you failed a course, for example, you might try arguing that your improvement over the term warrants a passing grade.
- Faculty are also sometimes willing to assign extra credit and makeup work to students with borderline grades. You might have to accept an Incomplete while you finish these assignments, but an “I” doesn't count against your GPA the way a “D” or an “F” does.
- Any time you experience mistreatment in the classroom, you should report this to your instructor's department head. In most cases, such mistreatment is grounds for a grade appeal.
Every situation is different, and none of these solutions is going to work for every student. Your Lento Law Firm attorney will sit down with you and map out a plan to address your problems. Then, they'll work with you to put that plan into action, whether that means filing a formal appeal or coaching you in the fine art of negotiation.
What Can the Lento Law Firm Do For You?
Your James Madison 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 to get their academic careers back on track. What can we do for you? To find out, call us today at 888-535-3686, or use our online form.
