If you've found your way to this page, it means you're struggling to meet academic progression requirements at South Dakota State University (SDSU). You did manage to find this page, but we'd guess you've got some questions, like "How exactly is a lawyer supposed to help me improve my GPA?"
So, let's start there. A university is essentially an enormous, complex bureaucracy. If you've ever dealt with parking services, you know what we're talking about. It turns out that how you navigate the system can have a large impact on your GPA. Think about it: if you don't know what counts as an excused absence in calculus, it could cost you. If you don't know how to get appropriate course accommodations for your ADD, you're going to struggle in lots of your classes. And what do you do if a professor just doesn't seem to like you?
No one knows more about dealing with bureaucracy than lawyers. Filling out paperwork and calling people is practically a whole year at law school.
And no lawyers know more about educational bureaucracy than the ones at the Lento Law Firm. Our Education Law Team knows what you're up against, and we know how the SDSU system works. Any time your grades fall, we can show you tips and tricks to get them back up again.
We'll give you some concrete examples below. First, though, you need to know how to contact us for help. Call 888-535-3686 today, or take a little time now and tell us what kind of problem you're facing.
Academic Progress Standards at South Dakota State University
We know – until someone told you your grades were too low, you didn't even know there was an academic standing policy at SDSU. Now you do. Not only must you meet certain grade criteria, but if you fail to do so, you face penalties.
- Good Standing: If you've accumulated less than 45 hours, you need a 1.8 cumulative grade point average to remain in good standing. After that point, you need a 2.0.
- Academic Probation: Any time you fall out of good standing, you're placed on academic probation. Your ability to register for courses is in jeopardy, but SDSU is giving you a last chance to improve. The university appoints an academic success team, and you must consult with this team throughout the semester. Your primary goal, though, is to return to good standing. You can remain on probation as long as necessary, provided you earn a minimum 2.0-term GPA.
- Academic Suspension: If your term GPA falls below 2.0 while you're on probation, SDSU then suspends you for the next two academic terms. Suspension means complete separation from the university. You cannot register for classes, and any classes for which you are already registered will be canceled. You are further barred from taking classes at any other regional institution. You can return to SDSU once you have served your suspension, but the suspension is noted on your transcript.
Dealing With Academic Sanctions
Obviously, you want to avoid reaching the point of suspension if you possibly can. It is always difficult to return to school once you've been away. You're out of the academic habit. You may also have lost your financial aid as a result of your suspension, and most students find it difficult to pay for classes out of pocket.
SDSU's standing policy makes no mention of any type of appeal for academic sanctions, including suspension. Your status is entirely dependent on your GPA, and the university does not consider that a matter of debate.
However, there are ways to avoid the threat of a sanction if you know how to use the SDSU system or, alternatively, if you happen to have a Lento Law Firm attorney on your side. For example,
- While there is no formal appeals process for academic sanctions, you can always file an informal petition with the dean of your school or college. Extenuating circumstances, such as a serious illness or a family crisis, can sometimes give you an extra semester to improve.
- You are entitled to fair treatment in all your classes. If you feel an instructor is mistreating you in any way, you should report this to your instructor's department head. This can result in an immediate grade revision. At a minimum, it lays the groundwork for a grade appeal once the term is over.
- Low grades can be a sign of a learning disability, such as ADD or ADHD. A learning disability entitles you to course accommodations when appropriate. You can also petition the university to drop low grades from your transcript. Your Lento Law Firm attorney can help you get tested.
- Your instructors have the power to lower your grade over academic misconduct allegations. They must have concrete evidence to support their allegations, though, and you always have the right to appeal their decisions to the Academic Appeals Committee.
- Some faculty are willing to negotiate grades if you have a compelling argument. A high final exam score, for instance, might merit a higher course grade, especially if the final is cumulative.
- You can always ask instructors for extra credit or makeup assignments. It could be that an extra lab assignment or a paper rewrite is enough to raise your course grade and, thus, your GPA.
No solution is right for every student. The first thing your Lento Law Firm attorney will do is sit down with you and go over your situation. They'll work with you to come up with a solution tailored to your needs, and they'll help you to implement that solution. They know how to negotiate with faculty, they're experienced at drafting sanction appeals, and they always know who to contact and what to say when you have a problem.
What Can the Lento Law Firm Do for You?
Your South Dakota State 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.
