The key to college success? Having the right attorney from the right law firm. Surprised? It makes sense if you think about it. Yes, you need to study and get to class. It helps if you stop by during the professors' office hours and join study groups. Success at National University, though, is just as much about navigating the system as it is about how you score on papers and exams.
If you're struggling to keep your GPA up, it could be you just need a little help navigating the bureaucracy. The Lento Law Firm's Education Law Team can help you figure out who to talk to if you think a professor is mistreating you. We know where to go if you think a learning disability might be dragging your grades down. You can trust us to come up with a solution no matter what academic progress issue you might be dealing with. We're the premier law firm in the country for students, not just because we know the law but because we know how NU operates.
What can we do for you? Call 888-535-3686 to find out, or take a little time now and tell us about your situation.
Academic Progression at the National University
You'll hear lots of general advice on what counts as college success: getting a good job once you've graduated, maximizing your potential, and learning who you are as a person. There actually is a concrete definition of success at National, though. You'll find it contained in the university's academic standing policy. Success—also defined as good standing—means keeping your cumulative grade point average above 2.0. That's a pretty straightforward requirement. What do you do, though, if your GPA should slip a bit?
- Academic Probation: Anytime your GPA falls below 2.0, National University places you on academic probation. You can continue to take classes as before, and there aren't even any special requirements, such as extra assignments or educational seminars, to worry about. You have just one quarter, though, to get back to good standing. Otherwise, you risk more serious consequences.
- Academic Disqualification: If you cannot raise your GPA back above 2.0 before the end of your probationary term, you then face academic disqualification. Essentially, you are separated from the university. You can return to National only by completing at least 12 semester hours (or 18 quarter hours) at a regionally accredited institution with a GPA of at least 2.3.
- Academic Dismissal: Should you return to National following disqualification and continue to struggle, you can also face permanent dismissal from the university.
Dealing With Academic Standing Decisions
National University makes no mention of the possibility of a formal academic appeal. You can understand why. Dismissal is based almost exclusively on GPA. In most cases, GPA is clearly established and not open to debate. The university must hold a hearing to determine if you've cheated or assaulted another student, but dismissal in the case of academic deficiencies is essentially automatic.
That doesn't mean you should simply accept probation, disqualification, or dismissal as inevitable. You do have options. The Lento Law Firm attorney can suggest several ways to salvage your academic future. For instance,
- If your low GPA is the result of extenuating circumstances—if you've been dealing with a family crisis, for example, or suffered a serious bout of depression—you can petition the dean of your school or college for more time to improve.
- Your low GPA could be the result of a learning disability you don't even know you have. Disability Services can help you get tested and make sure you're given any course accommodations you need. You can also ask National to set aside your low grades and allow you to retake courses once accommodations are in place.
- Allegations of cheating and plagiarism can lead to lower grades. You always have the right to challenge such allegations, though. Even if you accept responsibility for breaking the rules, you can still appeal the severity of the sanction.
- You should never suffer from bias, prejudice, or any other unfair discrimination in the classroom. If you feel you've been treated unfairly by an instructor, you should report that mistreatment immediately to your instructor's department head.
- Some faculty are open to the possibility of grade negotiation. Maybe you earned a C in the course, but you managed to pull off a B on the final. You can always try asking an instructor for a better grade based on specific conditions.
- The easiest sort of grade negotiation is asking for extra credit or makeup work. Not every instructor is receptive, but it doesn't hurt to ask. It could be that an extra lab assignment is enough to raise your GPA above the danger zone.
The trick isn't just in knowing all the ways to improve and repair your GPA. It's in knowing how to put a particular strategy into action. You can expect the Lento Law Firm attorney to sit down with you and listen to your story. Only at that point will they suggest what actions you might take. And they'll work with you as you put those actions into effect.
Of course, should the worst happen and you wind up disqualified or dismissed, we also have experience filing readmission packages. We know exactly what committees look for in terms of evidence, and we know exactly how to make you look your best on paper.
What Can the Lento Law Firm Do For You?
Your National University diploma is far more than just a piece of paper. It's your avenue to a successful career. If it's under threat, 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 issues and make it to graduation. To find out what can we do for you, call us today at 888-535-3686 or use our online form.
