College isn't like high school. OK, there are some similarities. You're taking classes, the same as before. You're learning new things and studying hard. There are still tests to take, papers to write, and teachers to impress. You've got a lot more to worry about in college, though. It's not just that courses are tougher and instructors more demanding. You're on your own for the first time. You have to develop your own sense of motivation and self-discipline. Not everyone thrives in that environment.
If you find yourself struggling, you need to know that there's help available. Attorney-advisor Joseph D. Lento and his Education Law Team are on your side and dedicated to your academic success. What can an attorney do to help you as a college student? Keep reading, and it should become clear to you. In the meantime, know that a mistake or two doesn't have to cost you your chance at a degree. Joseph D. Lento and his team are committed to the idea that everyone deserves a second chance, and they'll fight to make sure you get yours.
Progression Requirements at Southern New Hampshire University
You already know that SNHU isn't like other schools. Among the many differences, you can't be dismissed for academic deficiencies. The school will work with you, whatever your situation, to make sure you have every opportunity to find success.
That doesn't mean you can take it easy where studying is concerned. The school does have some minimum graduation standards. According to the Registrar's Office, you need at least a 2.0 cumulative grade point average in order to graduate.
If you're nearing the end of your degree and struggling to reach that mark, Joseph D. Lento and his team may be able to help. Of course, they can't take your courses for you. However, they know a number of useful strategies for bringing your GPA up. For example,
- If you feel you've been mistreated by an instructor, you have the right to complain to that instructor's department head. You could be entitled to a grade revision.
- If you have a learning disability, you may have the right to classroom accommodations. For instance, you may deserve more time to complete your assignments. Here again, if an instructor doesn't honor those accommodations, you may be able to ask for a higher grade in the course.
Lawyers are skilled in the art of negotiation. The team at the Lento Law Firm knows who to talk to at SNHU when you have a problem and what kinds of things to say. You can trust them to map out a plan for you and to work with you to put that plan into action.
SAP Standards
You can't be dismissed from SNHU for academic reasons, but that doesn't mean your grades don't matter. If you receive any type of financial aid, you're subject to the school's Satisfactory Academic Progress policy.
The US government requires all colleges and universities to maintain an SAP policy. These policies are designed to ensure that anyone receiving aid actually deserves aid and is using that aid to reach their educational goals. In simple terms, if you're not meeting SAP requirements, you become ineligible for financial aid.
The SNHU policy includes two criteria.
- First, you must complete at least 66.7 percent of all the courses you attempt. Withdrawals count against this percentage, as do failures.
- Second, you must complete your degree within 150 percent of the published credits required for that degree. For instance, if your program requires 60 credits, you must finish your degree within 90 credits, or you lose financial aid.
SNHU evaluates your academic progress at the end of each trimester. If you should go over the number of allowed credits, you lose financial aid immediately. If your completion percentage should fall, you are issued a Warning. A Warning gives you an additional trimester to return to “good” standing. Should you continue to struggle, the school then permanently suspends your aid.
Of course, SNHU's SAP policy does not prohibit you from continuing your studies at the university. Again, you cannot be dismissed for academic deficiencies. However, many students find it difficult to complete their education when they're forced to pay for it out of their own personal funds.
Appealing SAP Decisions
Should you lose your financial aid, SNHU does offer an appeals process. Appeals are based on extenuating circumstances. That is, if you can demonstrate that a specific situation—a family emergency, for instance, or a long-term illness—caused your deficiencies, you may be able to get an additional probationary trimester of aid while you try to improve.
However, this appeals process is rigorous. It requires that you provide documentation of your situation and that you create an improvement plan to guide your future trimesters.
Joseph D. Lento and his Education Law Team have helped hundreds of students file SAP appeals. They know what kinds of circumstances qualify for probation. They're skilled at gathering evidence and documentation. They know what appeals committees are looking for and how to make you look your best on paper. Ultimately, having Joseph D. Lento and his team on your side gives you your best chance of hanging on to your aid.
It's important that you keep in mind, though, that these appeals are time-sensitive. Wait too long, and you may miss your opportunity to file. Plus, while you are going through the process, you are responsible for paying all of your tuition out-of-pocket. In other words, at the first sign of trouble, you need to contact Joseph D. Lento and his team immediately to find out what they can do for you.
Premier Education Attorney-Advisor
When you enroll in college, you hope that things will go smoothly from start to finish. Unfortunately, life happens to all of us, though. When it does, you may find yourself having to take on your school in order to keep your dreams intact. Don't try to do that alone.
Joseph D. Lento has represented hundreds of students just like you in academic progress cases. He knows the procedures, and he can offer suggestions for how to use them to your advantage. If you or your child is facing dismissal, or even if you have already been dismissed, you owe it to yourself to learn about what options might be available to you. To find out more, contact the Lento Law Firm today, at 888-555-3686, or use our automated online form.
