Let's bottom line this: if you're struggling to meet Pace University's academic progress requirements, the Lento Law Firm can help. The idea that an attorney could help you improve academically might surprise you. After all, you're not trying to defend yourself from DUI. You're trying to make sense of differential equations and how to use MLA formatting appropriately.
What most students don't realize, though, is that thriving as a university student has an enormous amount to do with how well you can navigate the system. Do you know what to do if you've been assigned to a group and one of the members just isn't pulling their weight? Do you know who to contact if you need to miss class to attend a funeral? And where do you go if you begin to suspect you might have a learning disability?
If there's one thing attorneys know, it's how to navigate bureaucracy. The Lento Law Firm's Education Law Team is especially adept at navigating educational bureaucracy. We can work with you to get help when you need it. We can make sure Pace University treats you fairly. We can offer tips and tricks for using the university system to your advantage.
What can we do for you? Call 888-535-3686 today to find out, or take a little time now and tell us what kind of problem you're facing.
Academic Progress Standards at Pace University
"Academic progress" isn't some amorphous concept. Pace University maintains a clear academic standing policy that outlines exactly what you must do to remain in "good" standing and what can happen to you when you're not meeting academic standards.
- Good Standing: Pace defines good standing as a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or better. That's it. Pretty simple—unless, of course, your GPA happens to fall below that number.
- Academic Probation: We all have those semesters when nothing seems to go right. String a couple of semesters like that together, and you can wind up on academic probation. More specifically, Pace places you on probation when your GPA falls below the magic 2.0 number.
- Academic Dismissal: University policy is somewhat vague about what triggers academic dismissal, but generally speaking, you have just one semester to return to good standing. After that, you're likely to be dismissed.
Pace University allows students who have been dismissed to apply for immediate reinstatement if they can show that extenuating circumstances led to their academic deficiencies. You are limited, however, to one such appeal during your career at the university.
If you should wind up dismissed, you can apply for readmission after one year away from the university. In these cases, you may need to show some evidence that you are ready to return to school and are capable of academic success. Keep in mind as well that should you continue to struggle upon your return, you can be permanently dismissed from the university.
Dealing With Academic Sanctions
The Lento Law Firm can help you with any dismissal appeals or readmission applications you may need to file. We work extensively with university faculty and administration and have a clear understanding of what academic committees look for in these documents.
However, we can also help you avoid reaching the point of dismissal in the first place. It turns out there are numerous strategies that can help you raise your GPA if you know how to employ them properly. For example,
- Learning disabilities are far more common than most people realize, and you could have one without knowing it. A condition like ADD, ADHD, or dyslexia may warrant course accommodations, such as extra time to complete assignments or access to special technologies. Disability Services can help you get tested and make sure you have the proper accommodations. In addition, you can petition Pace to drop low grades from your GPA and be allowed to retake those courses.
- You will sometimes encounter instructors who simply don't treat you fairly. Any time this happens, you should report the situation to the instructor's department head. At a minimum, this will create a paper trail that you can use later to file a grade appeal or an official grievance.
- A low grade can be the result of an allegation of academic misconduct. If your instructor feels you've cheated or committed some type of plagiarism, they can lower your course grade or even fail you outright. However, you have the right to challenge their decision to the university's Academic Conduct Committee.
- Some faculty are willing to negotiate grades, especially if you have a compelling argument. For example, a particularly high score on a cumulative final exam might indicate that you deserve a higher course grade. Improvement might warrant a passing grade even if your individual scores don't add up to a passing grade.
- You can also try asking instructors for extra credit or makeup work. Not every instructor will make such assignments, but there's never a penalty for asking, and even if you can only raise one or two grades this way, it can make a big difference to your GPA.
When you contact the Lento Law Firm, one of our attorneys will sit down with you and go over your particular situation. They'll make a recommendation on how you can improve your academic standing. Then, they'll work with you to implement that recommendation, whether that involves drafting a formal appeal, documenting evidence of your academic ability, coaching you in negotiation techniques, or simply putting you in touch with the right administrative office.
What Can the Lento Law Firm Do For You?
Your Pace University diploma is far more than just a piece of paper. It's your avenue to a successful career. If it's under threat for any reason, 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 progress 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.
