Look, there's no question that going to class and studying are essential to keeping your grade point average up. You've got to ace exams and write solid papers. You've got to do lab assignments and work on group projects. There's something else that can be just as important, though—learning how to navigate the Southeastern Louisiana University (SLU) bureaucracy.
The thing is, a grumpy professor can tank your grades as fast as a low test score. If you suffer from a learning disability, your low GPA could be the result of an uneven playing field. And do you know how to fight an unfair allegation of cheating?
The Lento Law Firm's Education Law Team was founded to help students succeed. We can't take your exams for you or write your papers, but we can help you deal with the red tape that can drag that can sometimes drag down a grade point average. We can help you figure out who to contact when you have a problem, and we'll tell you exactly what you need to say. We know how SLU's systems operate, and we can even show you how to use them to your benefit.
If you're worried about meeting SLU's progress requirements, you owe it to yourself to find out how we can help. Call 888-535-3686 today to learn more, or take a little time now and tell us what kind of problem you're facing.
Academic Progress Standards at Southeastern Louisiana State University
Before we talk about the tips and tricks you can use to help keep your GPA up, we should probably discuss exactly what it means to "keep your GPA up." Most students don't realize that if their GPA falls below a certain number, they can wind up sanctioned. One "D" or an "F" isn't enough to do it, but a low GPA can certainly get you put on probation, suspended, or even dismissed outright from SLU.
Here's what the university's academic standing policy has to say.
- Good Standing: This is always the goal. Good standing means you're making steady progress towards your degree. There are no sanctions to worry about, and you have the freedom to register for any classes you want. Good standing at SLU is defined as a cumulative grade point of 2.0 or better.
- Academic Warning: During your first semester at SLU, you have some leeway as a student. Should your GPA fall below 2.0, the university issues you a warning. This is just a reminder that you need to improve.
- Academic Probation: This is a more serious reminder that you need to improve. If you've earned more than 30 hours, a GPA below 2.0 automatically means probation. You are still allowed to continue at SLU, but keep in mind that "probation" actually means you've been dismissed; it's just that the university has set this punishment aside temporarily to give you a chance to improve.
- Academic Suspension: So long as you keep your semester GPA above 2.0, you can remain on probation as long as it takes you to return to good standing. Fail to do that, though, and you then face suspension. Suspension lasts for one full semester (fall or spring). During this period, you may not enroll in a Louisiana state system school, though you may enroll in community colleges. You must apply for readmission, which involves a readmission fee, and when you return to the university, you are once again placed on probation.
Finally, you should know that your return is never guaranteed following a suspension, and most students who receive a third suspension are permanently dismissed.
Dealing With Academic Sanctions
Returning to SLU following a suspension isn't a given. If you need to file a readmission petition, hiring a Lento Law Firm attorney can give you a definite advantage as you go through the process. We know exactly what appeals committees look for. During your semester away, we can advise you about how to improve your academic resume and work with you to draft an appeal that is both compelling and clear.
There's no doubt, though, that it's always better to avoid suspension in the first place if you possibly can. Lento Law Firm attorneys also know a number of different strategies for doing this.
- If you've experienced extenuating circumstances, such as a long-term illness, SLU offers an appeals process that can gain you immediate readmission following a suspension decision.
- You are allowed to take summer courses following a suspension decision. You cannot receive financial aid during this semester, but if you should pull your GPA above the 2.0 level, you can remain at the university on probation for at least one more semester.
- Consistently low grades can be a sign of a learning disability. Disability Services can help you get tested. If it turns out you do have ADD, ADHD, or some other condition, you will likely be entitled to course accommodations. You can also ask SLU to drop low grades from your transcript.
- Low grades can also be the result of an allegation of academic misconduct, such as cheating or plagiarism. However, you have the right to challenge an instructor's decisions through a formal appeals process.
- Faculty are sometimes open to the process of grade negotiation. One of the easiest approaches is simply to ask for extra credit or makeup work. Of course, not all instructors will make such assignments, but if they will, this can be a quick way to pull your GPA above the danger zone.
These and other strategies can help you avoid sanctions like probation, suspension, and dismissal. Not every solution will work in every situation, though. When you contact the Lento Law Firm, an attorney will sit down with you and go over your particular case. They'll make a recommendation that's targeted to help you improve. And finally, they'll work with you to implement a plan.
What Can the Lento Law Firm Do For You?
Your Southeastern Louisiana 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.
