They make college seem like a lot of fun in the brochures. And it can be. It's also a lot of hard work, though. College isn't like high school, where you might have to repeat a course, but you could never get thrown out just for bad grades. There are real consequences if your GPA starts to slip, and you can wind up dismissed if you're not careful.
You're not all alone in this thing, though. The Lento Law Firm is here to help. What can a lawyer do about your GPA? You might be surprised. The thing is, college success is often as much about learning to navigate the system as it is about mastering differential equations. No one understands bureaucracy better than lawyers. No one understands educational bureaucracy better than the Lento Law Firm's Education Law Team. We've been at this for a while now, and we've helped hundreds of students. Along the way, we've learned every conceivable strategy for keeping your grades up.
So, at the very first sign of trouble, contact the Lento Law Firm and find out what we can do for you. Call 888-535-3686, or take a little time now and tell us about your situation.
Academic Progression at Miami University-Oxford
If you're going to survive the Miami University system, the first thing you need to know is how the system defines academic success. The goal is to remain in what's called “good” standing. To do that, you have to maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0.
What happens if your GPA falls below that number?
- Academic Warning: If your GPA falls below 2.0 before you reach 16 credit hours, you're issued an academic warning. Technically, you're still in good standing. Your only real concern is to raise your grade point above 2.0. However, if you should reach the 16 credit hour mark without having done that, you're then placed on academic probation.
- Academic Probation: Students who have accumulated between 16 and 29 hours and whose GPA falls below 2.0 are placed on academic probation. This is a more serious classification. However, you're still allowed to continue at the university, provided you earn a minimum 2.0 GPA each term.
- Academic Suspension: If your term GPA falls below 2.0 while you are on probation or your cumulative GPA falls below 2.0 once you've earned 30 credits, you are then subject to academic suspension. This means separation from the university for two full terms (excluding winter terms). Readmission is automatic, but when you return, you are once again on probation. If your term GPA falls below 2.0 before you return to good standing, you face dismissal.
- Academic Dismissal: Academic dismissal means total separation from Miami University. You can reapply to Miami University after two years away. However, academic dismissal is normally considered "permanent."
Dealing With Academic Standing Decisions
The unfortunate fact is that there are no clear processes or procedures at Miami University for dealing with an academic sanction. In a way, this makes sense: these decisions are based on objective facts. Nothing needs to be proven. Either your GPA is above 2.0, or it isn't. So, there's no need for an investigation or a hearing. There's not even a formal mechanism for filing an appeal.
However, there are plenty of legitimate reasons why your GPA might have fallen and plenty of reasons why you might deserve a chance to improve rather than being slapped with probation, suspension, or dismissal.
Luckily, the attorneys at the Lento Law Firm can suggest a number of options. In fact, we know a few tricks even your advisor may not have thought of. For example,
- If your academic deficiencies are the result of extenuating circumstances, like a death in the family or a serious bout of depression, you can try filing an informal appeal with the dean of your Miami University school or college. Often, you can convince an administrator that you deserve more time to improve rather than a sanction.
- Low grades can be the result of an undiagnosed learning disability. If you consistently struggle to pass your courses, you should consider visiting Miami University's Disability Services office. This office can get you tested, and if it turns out you have a disability, it can work with you to get appropriate accommodations in place. Then, you can petition the university to drop low grades from your transcript, and you can retake those courses without penalty.
- Faculty are sometimes willing to negotiate grades if you have a compelling argument to make. Your Lento Law Firm attorney can review your situation and help you determine if you deserve a higher grade than the one you received. For example, if your final exam score was especially high, you might ask your instructor to use it as your course grade.
- Some instructors will also consider assigning makeup or extra credit work, especially to students with borderline grades. A paper rewrite or an extra lab assignment could be enough to pull your GPA out of the danger zone.
- If your instructor decides you've cheated or committed some form of plagiarism, they may try to lower your grade in the course. You have the right, though, to challenge their decisions. Appeals should be filed with the instructor's department head.
- If you feel your instructor is mistreating you in any way, you should report that to the instructor's department head as well. You may be entitled to a grade revision or, at minimum, to file a formal grade appeal.
The attorneys at the Lento Law Firm know every possible way to challenge an academic sanction. We understand, though, that not every solution will work in every situation. As a result, the very first thing we'll do is sit down with you and go over all the options. We'll help you to come up with a plan, and we'll work with you to put that plan into action.
What Can the Lento Law Firm Do for You?
Your Miami University-Oxford 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 automated online form.
