A lot of people will tell you there are no shortcuts to a good education. Don't you believe them. It's true you have to go to class and study. If you're struggling, you might want to hire a tutor, visit the writing center, or stop by your professors' offices during office hours. If you know how to navigate the Park University MO system, though, it can supercharge all your other academic efforts.
Knowing exactly who to talk to when you need to miss class to attend a funeral can make a big difference to a course grade. So can knowing what to do if a professor just doesn't seem to like you. And if you've got an undiagnosed learning disability like ADD, figuring out where to go for help could be the difference between a high GPA and failing out of college altogether.
The Lento Law Firm's Education Law Team knows what you're up against, and we're here to help. We're focused on student success and on showing you how to use the Park University MO bureaucracy to your best advantage.
We'll get into some useful tips and tricks below. For now, just know that any time you're struggling with your grades, you owe it to yourself to find out how we can help. Call 888-535-3686 today to find out more, or take a little time now and tell us what kind of problem you're facing.
Academic Progress Standards at Park University MO
Let's start by talking about Park's academic expectations. Many of our clients don't realize that colleges and universities set clear standards they expect all students to meet. Not only that, but they impose sanctions on students who aren't meeting them. All of this information can be found in Park University MO's academic standing policy. Here are the basics.
- Good Standing: If your GPA is especially high, you can earn academic honors at Park, such as inclusion on the Dean's List. Generally speaking, though, your goal is to keep yourself in good standing. Park defines this as a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or better.
- Academic Warning: Any time your term GPA falls below 2.0, the university issues you an academic warning. There are no specific requirements while under an academic warning, but a copy of the warning letter you receive is placed in your permanent file.
- Academic Probation: Should your cumulative GPA fall below 2.0, you then face academic probation. The goal is to return to good standing, and you can take as long as you need to do this, so long as the university feels you are making steady academic improvement. Here again, though, the university places a letter in your file explaining your probationary status. In addition, the policy notes that probation can affect veteran benefits.
- Academic Suspension: Park University MO doesn't define what "steady academic progress" means. Any time you're on probation, it's a good idea to ask your advisor how they define this phrase. If, at any point while on probation, the university decides you aren't making that progress, you can be suspended for at least one semester. You must apply for readmission, and your return is not guaranteed.
- Academic Dismissal: Assuming you are allowed to return to Park following a suspension, the university then places you on probation once again. Should you continue to struggle, you can also be expelled. Expulsions last for an "indefinite period."
Dealing With Academic Sanctions
Park University MO does offer an appeals process for students facing suspension. If you can demonstrate that your academic deficiencies are the result of extenuating circumstances—a serious illness, for instance, or a family emergency—you may be able to gain an additional semester on probation in place of suspension. The Lento Law Firm attorneys are well-versed in filing university appeals. They can help you document your situation and work with you to make sure your petition puts forward your strongest arguments.
You don't have to reach the point of suspension, though, to take advantage of what the Lento Law Firm attorney knows. They can also offer valuable suggestions for keeping you on track academically so you don't wind up at the point of suspension in the first place.
- Every student has a right to fair treatment in the classroom. Any time you feel an instructor is treating you unfairly, you should report this to that instructor's department head. This can often result in immediate relief. At a minimum, it will create a paper trail that you can use to file a formal grade appeal after the semester.
- Low grades can signal that you have an undiagnosed learning disability. Disability Services can get you tested and make sure you have appropriate classroom accommodations as necessary. You also have the right to petition the university to drop low grades from your GPA and let you retake those courses without penalty.
- If you've been accused of cheating or plagiarism, that, too, can mean lower grades. Instructors have the power to lower grades on assignments and to lower course grades. They must have clear proof to substantiate their allegations, though, and you always have the right to challenge that evidence by filing a formal disciplinary appeal.
- Some faculty will negotiate over your grade if you have a compelling argument to make. For instance, if you do especially well on a cumulative final exam, that might indicate you learned more than your course grade suggests.
- There is never a penalty for asking an instructor for extra credit or makeup assignments. They can, of course, say no. It could be, though, that a single lab exercise or a paper rewrite is enough to pull your grade up one level.
If you're struggling to meet Park University MO's academic progress requirements, your situation is unique to you. You can expect the Lento Law Firm attorney to sit down with you and work out a plan that's tailored to your particular needs. In addition, they'll help you implement that plan, whether that involves filing a formal appeal, ensuring you get fair disability testing, or coaching you in the fine art of negotiating with faculty. We'll use every resource at our disposal to safeguard your future.
What Can the Lento Law Firm Do For You?
Your Park University MO 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.
