Lamar University (LU) is part of the Texas State University system, with a robust population of students. The school's academic standards are typical for a state university, but it's always important that new students know exactly what those standards are before they get started. To progress academically at LU, you'll need to meet a minimum number of credit hours while also maintaining a minimum GPA. Failure to do so could result in disciplinary action and even suspension.
If you're facing issues with academic progression, the Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team can help. Give us a call at 888-535-3686 or complete our online form.
Lamar University's Credit Hour Requirements
Lamar University requires 120 credit hours to earn a bachelor's degree. This includes:
- 30 semester hours in residence
- At least 24 semester hours as a senior, except in special biology degree programs
- 42 semester hours as a junior and senior, with at least 18 hours completed at Lamar University
- 24 semester hours in a major field
- At least 12 semester hours in upper-division courses
Lamar University also has grade point average (GPA) requirements. You'll need to maintain at least a 2.0. Some departments have higher GPA requirements.
Academic Progression at Lamar University
To progress to the next level at any university, you'll need to complete a minimum number of credit hours. At Lamar University, those hour requirements are as follows:
- Sophomore: 30 semester hours
- Junior: 60 semester hours
- Senior: 90 semester hours
Lamar University classifies full-time students as those taking 12 or more semester hours. If you're getting financial aid, you'll need to pay attention to this since some programs only cover full-time students.
Academic Probation and Suspension
Falling below the school's requirements comes with some consequences. The first step is academic probation, which will happen the first time you drop below a cumulative 2.0 GPA for the semester. If you're put on probation, you'll receive an email with instructions on returning to good standing.
If you don't show improvement during the probation period, you'll progress to academic suspension, which requires you to skip a semester. If you come back and fall below the minimum again, you'll be suspended for a year.
On the third strike, you're out. You'll be expelled from the school permanently.
Satisfactory Academic Progress Standards
College students receiving financial aid have another incentive to maintain a certain GPA. Federal and state financial aid recipients must satisfy something called Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements. Failure to meet SAP requirements can lead to aid being withdrawn.
At the end of each semester, Lamar officials evaluate SAP for all students at the university who are receiving federal or state assistance. To meet SAP requirements, undergraduates must:
- Maintain a 2.0 or higher GPA
- Complete enough credit hours to meet the minimum 67 percent completion rate
- Stay below the maximum time frame for degree completion
Financial Aid Suspension
If you fall short on your SAP requirements and lose financial aid, you'll enter what's known as financial aid suspension. You'll receive an email alerting you that your financial aid has been suspended, and you'll be ineligible for financial aid moving forward.
All is not lost if you do see your financial aid suspended, though. You can restore your eligibility by one of the following two methods:
- Enrolling in courses at your own expense and working toward completing all SAPs
- Successfully appealing the decision
Appealing Financial Aid Suspension
Your first step if your financial aid is suspended should be to consider appealing the decision. If the following are to blame for falling short on your SAPs, you have grounds for an appeal:
- Your injury or illness
- The death of a relative
- Returning for a subsequent degree
If there were other extenuating circumstances, you may be able to launch a successful appeal. To appeal, go to your self-service banner and find the SAP worksheet. On this worksheet, you'll detail the reasons for your failure to meet the academic requirements. You'll also need to state how you'll work toward meeting those requirements moving forward.
Appeal Response Times
After filing your appeal, you'll need to wait 10-15 business days for a response. Continue to attend class and meet all payment deadlines while awaiting a response.
If your appeal is denied, you can work to reestablish your financial aid eligibility, but any funds already awarded for the term will be canceled. If it's approved, your aid will be reinstated, but you'll be on probation. Probation includes meeting the SAP standards and following an academic plan that will be assigned to you.
GPA Deficiency Academic Plans
As part of winning your appeal, you'll be put on an academic plan. The type of plan you're on depends on the reason you failed to meet the SAP the first time around.
If your GPA was the cause of your financial aid suspension, you'll be put on a GPA academic plan. This plan will require you to earn a passing grade in all classes in which you are enrolled, as well as a cumulative GPA of at least 2.25. You also won't be allowed to drop or withdraw from any classes once the drop/add period has come to an end.
For those with a PACE deficiency, the academic plan will operate similarly. The minimum GPA is lower, though, at 2.0. All other requirements are the same.
If you fail to meet the maximum timeframe requirements, you'll either need to earn a grade of A, B, C, S, or SE in all hours you're enrolled. You'll also have to earn a minimum GPA of 2.25 and not drop or withdraw from any classes. Lastly, you'll need to take only courses in your degree plan.
If you fail to satisfy the requirements of your academic plan, you'll have to jump through even more hoops to appeal your aid suspension. That includes completing a minimum of six hours in your degree path and earning a GPA of at least 2.25.
The Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team Can Help
Lamar University's academic progression standards can be confusing, and that's where the Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team comes in. Our team has experience in helping students defend both their academic and financial aid suspensions. If your future at Lamar University is in jeopardy, contact us at 888-535-3686 or by filling out our confidential online form.
