Conventional wisdom says that college success is about hard work and smarts. Get to class every day, study diligently, and you should pass courses with flying colors and have no trouble making it to graduation.
There's no question that these things matter. College success isn't usually quite so simple, though. You also have to know how to navigate the system. At some point during your four years at Oakland University, for instance, you're going to go through a personal crisis. Maybe you'll experience a bout of depression that makes it hard to get to class. Maybe you'll have to deal with a death in the family. Maybe you'll discover that your brain just doesn't "do" calculus. When those moments happen, will you know how to handle them?
The Lento Law Firm's Education Law Team was founded to help students succeed. We can't take your exams for you, we can't write your papers, and we won't call you every morning to make sure you're up. What we can do, though, is help you deal with the bureaucracy of college, and you might be surprised just how much that bureaucracy has to do with your GPA.
If you're struggling to keep your GPA up, for whatever reason, don't wait. Call 888-535-3686 today, or take a little time now and tell us about your situation.
Academic Progression at Oakland University
We've mentioned the idea of “academic success,” but what does that mean in concrete terms? That is, what does it take to remain in “good” academic standing, and what happens if you don't?
- Oakland University defines good standing as a cumulative grade point average above 2.0. Pretty straightforward. And you'll need to have a 2.0 if you want to graduate.
- Academic Probation: If, at any point, your cumulative GPA falls below that 2.0 number, you're then placed on academic probation. OU doesn't set any specific probation requirements. You don't have to meet with an advisor, for instance, or take any special courses. Your goal is to raise your GPA and get back to good standing.
- Continued Probation: You can remain on probation indefinitely—as long as it takes you to return to good standing—provided you earn a minimum term GPA based on how many hours you've completed.
- If you are between 24 and 32 hours, you need a 1.61 to remain on probation.
- If you are between 33 and 48 hours, you need a 1.73.
- If you are between 49 and 64 hours, you need a 1.85.
- If you are between 65 and 80 hours, you need a 1.97.
- If you have more than 80 hours, you need a 2.0.
- Academic Dismissal: Should your term GPA fall below expectations while you are on Probation, Oakland University then dismisses you entirely. Dismissal means total separation from the university, and it lasts for a minimum of six years. Only after that point can you apply for readmission.
Dealing With Academic Standing Decisions
If your academic deficiencies are the result of extenuating circumstances, OU does have an appeals process that will allow you to gain an additional semester on probation. Your Lento Law Firm attorney can help you gather evidence and draft your appeal. We're experienced with this process and know what kinds of arguments tend to be most effective with the Academic Standing and Honors Committee.
However, not every low GPA is the result of extenuating circumstances. Luckily, we also know some useful informal strategies for challenging academic sanctions. For instance,
- Often, consistently low grades can be a sign of a learning disability. Plenty of college students have managed to get through high school without realizing they have ADD, ADHD, or dyslexia. OU's Disability Services can work with you to get tested. If it turns out you have a disability, they can make sure you have appropriate accommodations in place. You can even drop low grades from your transcript and retake those courses without penalty.
- Academic misconduct allegations can also lead to low grades. Your instructors have the power to accuse you of cheating and plagiarism and to issue penalties up to and including total failure in a course. However, you have the right to challenge their decisions by appealing directly to the Academic Conduct Committee.
- Some faculty are willing to negotiate grades if you have a compelling argument. For instance, maybe your final exam score was especially high. You might try arguing that it should be your course grade since it demonstrates how much you learned during the semester.
- Faculty are also sometimes open to assigning makeup and extra credit work, especially to students with borderline grades. You may have to ask for these opportunities, though.
- 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. You may be entitled to some form of grade relief.
While these and other strategies can help you keep your GPA up and your college career on track, it's not always easy to know which one is the best for your particular situation. At the Lento Law Firm, we'll sit down with you and go over the options. We'll help you come up with the ideal solution, and we'll work with you to take action, whether that means helping you draft an appeal or coaching you on how to negotiate with a professor.
What Can the Lento Law Firm Do for You?
Your Oakland University 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 online form.
