You came to Mississippi State to be a student, so you can't really say you're surprised when the university holds you to that. Courses are rigorous at MSU, and professors can be demanding. Plus, you're trying something new for the first time: adulting. None of that matters, though. If your GPA should fall, you face the prospect of Probation, Suspension, and even Dismissal.
If you're struggling academically, though, the Lento Law Firm can help. We know, we know: what can a lawyer do to help you keep your grades up? You might be surprised. The fact is that navigating university bureaucracy can often be crucial to earning your degree. Have you ever tried to deal with an MSU parking ticket? Who understands bureaucracy better than lawyers?
And, as it turns out, no one understands educational bureaucracy better than the Lento Law Firm's Student Education Team. We've helped hundreds of students defend themselves and get their academic careers back on track. We're committed to getting all students the fair treatment they deserve. So, if your grades have slipped a little—or a lot—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 automated online form.
Academic Progression at Mississippi State University
The first thing you need to know is just what Mississippi State academic standards are. You can't hope to make it to graduation if you don't know what's expected of you. Here's what MSU's academic standing policy has to say.
- Good Standing: This is where you want to be. It means you're making steady progress towards your degree. To remain in Good standing, you need at least a 2.0 cumulative grade point average.
- Academic Probation: Any time your GPA dips below 2.0, MSU places you on Academic Probation. This is a warning status designed to encourage you to work harder on your coursework. As part of Probation, you are required to meet with an academic advisor and develop a plan for improvement. The good news is that you may remain on Probation as long as it takes to return to Good standing, provided you earn at least a 2.0 each term.
- Academic Suspension: If you've been on Probation, your term GPA falls below 2.0, and your cumulative GPA falls below a set cutoff number, you are then subject to Suspension.
- If you have between 19 and 36 hours, that cutoff number is 1.6.
- If you have between 37 and 66 hours, the number is 1.8.
- If you have more than 67 hours, the cutoff is 2.0.
Note that while you cannot be Suspended before first being given Probation, you can be Suspended at any point after that, even if you were in Good standing your previous semester. Suspension normally lasts for one fall or spring semester. You may take courses at another school while serving your suspension, but you must earn at least a 2.0 on this work. Otherwise, MSU may decide not to readmit you.
- Academic Dismissal: If at any point after serving a Suspension, your cumulative GPA should again fall below 2.0, MSU then dismisses you. Dismissals last for at least a full year. You must apply for readmission, and your return is not guaranteed.
Dealing With Academic Standing Decisions
If you are dealing with extenuating circumstances, such as a long-term illness or a family emergency, you can appeal a Suspension or Dismissal decision. Appeals should be directed either to your academic dean or to the Executive Vice President or Provost of Academic Affairs.
What do you do if you can't point to such extenuating circumstances, though, or you simply want to avoid Academic Probation? The attorneys at the Lento Law Firm can offer some suggestions in these cases as well. For instance,
- You should never suffer mistreatment in the classroom. If you feel an instructor is treating you unfairly, you should contact their department head. At a minimum, you're entitled to file a formal grade appeal in such cases.
- Low grades are sometimes the product of a deeper problem: a learning disability. Disability Services can help you get tested, and they'll work with you to put course accommodations in place if necessary. In addition, you can petition MSU to set aside your low grades and allow you to retake courses with those accommodations in place.
- Instructors have the primary responsibility for identifying academic misconduct. If your instructor believes you've plagiarized or cheated, they also have the authority to punish you. They can lower your grade on an assignment, lower your grade in the course, or even fail you outright. Any of these can negatively affect your GPA. However, you can challenge their decisions by appealing to MSU's Student Honor Code Council.
- Some faculty are willing to assign extra credit or makeup work to students with borderline grades. One extra lab assignment or a paper rewrite could be enough to raise your grade and your GPA.
- Faculty are also sometimes willing to negotiate for grades on other grounds. If, for instance, you scored especially high on your final exam, you might try asking your instructor to use that grade as your course grade.
You can count on the attorneys at the Lento Law Firm to identify the very best path to take in your current situation and to work with you to put a plan of action into effect.
If the worst should happen, though, and you should wind up Dismissed, the Lento Law Firm's Education Law Team is also experienced at filing readmission petitions. We know exactly what committees look for on these petitions and how to make you look your best on paper.
What Can the Lento Law Firm Do for You?
Your Mississippi State 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 allegations 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.
