Academic success doesn't just happen. It takes hard work and discipline. And if you're a student at Old Dominion University, you're going to need extra helpings of these traits. ODU takes education very, very seriously.
Sometimes, though, hard work and discipline aren't enough. Universities are systems, and if you don't know how to navigate those systems, you can find yourself hopelessly lost. What do you do, for example, when you run into a professor who just doesn't seem to like you? Who do you talk to if you need time off to deal with a death in the family?
Hard work and discipline? Those things are on you. If you're struggling to keep your GPA up, you might want to spend a little more time in the library, visit your professors during office hours, or join a study group. If you've tried all of those things, though, and it's still not enough, you'll want to see how we might be able to help.
The Lento Law Firm's Education Law Team aren't just attorneys. We're attorneys who are dedicated to helping students succeed. We can make sure your school is treating you fairly. We've also been at this long enough to have picked up a few tips and tricks along the way, strategies that can help keep your GPA up and ensure you avoid academic sanctions. Best of all, we're always just a phone call away. Dial 888-535-3686, or use our automated online form to find out more.
Academic Progression at Old Dominion University
Teachers, administrators, and other students talk a lot about GPA. You know that you've got to keep your GPA up if you want to make it to graduation. And you're probably concerned about keeping it up so you can impress during job interviews. You may not have realized, though, that your school actually has an academic progression policy that sets specific standards you must meet. When you don't, you can face stiff penalties.
Here's what the Old Dominion policy has to say.
- Good Standing: To remain in Good standing, you're required to maintain at least a 2.0 cumulative grade point average. The good news is that you won't immediately face a sanction the moment your GPA falls a bit. Two consecutive semesters below 2.0, though, means Probation.
- Academic Probation: If your cumulative GPA remains below 2.0 after two semesters, ODU places you on Probation. As part of Probation, you must meet regularly with an advisor. You're also limited to no more than 15 hours a semester (6 hours during the summer term). Your main goal, though, is to return to Good standing. You can take as long as you need to do that, provided you earn at least a 2.0-term GPA each semester.
- Academic Suspension: If your term GPA falls below the 2.0 mark while you're on Probation, you are subject to immediate Suspension. A first Suspension lasts for one full term—either Spring or Fall—and you must apply for readmission. Should you return to the university, you will be placed on Probation once again. In addition, you must complete an Academic Continuance Experience for Success (ACES) workshop. A second suspension means a full year away from the university. Third suspensions mean permanent dismissal.
Dealing With Academic Standing Decisions
Old Dominion offers an appeals process for those students who can point to extenuating circumstances as the cause of their academic deficiencies. If you experienced a difficult breakup, for instance, or you work a job and have had to take on extra hours, you may be able to petition for more time to improve. You'll need a strong application, though, including evidence provided by your employer, a doctor, or a therapist. The Lento Law Firm's Education Law Team is experienced at filing these appeals. We can help you gather evidence and work with you to draft a strong document.
Of course, not every student can point to extenuating circumstances as an excuse. And truthfully, it's always better to avoid Suspension in the first place if you possibly can. Luckily, the attorneys at the Lento Law Firm know a number of informal approaches to keeping your GPA up, and if you put these in place early, you may even be able to avoid Probation. For example,
- If you consistently struggle to pass courses, you may want to consider visiting with Disability Services. They offer testing that can reveal if you have a learning disability. Learning disabilities often entitle you to accommodations, like extra time to complete assignments or access to technology during exams. You can also ask ODU to set aside your low grades and let you retake those courses with accommodations in place.
- You should always protest mistreatment in the classroom. Such mistreatment can be grounds for a grade appeal, but you need to report it as soon as it happens.
- Some low grades have to do with academic misconduct charges. Your instructors have the power to accuse you of cheating and plagiarism and to assign penalties up to and including course failure. However, you have the right to challenge their decisions and the severity of their penalties through a hearing before the Office of Student Conduct and Academic Integrity (OSCAI).
- Some faculty are willing to assign extra credit and make up work, especially to students with borderline grades. You might be able to pull your GPA up simply by completing an extra lab assignment or rewriting a paper.
- Faculty are also sometimes open to negotiating grades. For example, if your final exam grade was especially high, you might try convincing your instructor to use it as your course grade.
The attorneys at the Lento Law Firm can help you identify the very best approach to dealing with your academic difficulties, and they'll work with you to put a plan in place. If the worst should happen, though, and you should find yourself suspended, they can also help you put together a readmission package that will put you in the very best light and give you your best chance of returning to school and finishing your degree.
What Can the Lento Law Firm Do for You?
You know what the statistics say about people who enter the workforce without a college degree. Your Old Dominion diploma is more than just a piece of paper. It's your avenue to a successful career, and if it's under threat, you can't afford to try and handle the problem by yourself. At the first sign of trouble, contact the Lento Law Firm's Education Law Team. Whether you need to know where to direct your appeals or you need to file a formal grade grievance, we'll work to get you back on track. We'll make sure you're treated fairly and that you have every possible chance to earn your degree.
Before you reach the point of probation or dismissal, call the Lento Law Firm today at 888-535-3686 or use our automated online form.
