Almost everyone struggles in college from time to time. No matter how smart and well-disciplined you may be, you're on your own for the first time. You're trying to establish your independence—to learn the rules of adulting—at the same time you're trying to master calculus and chemistry. That's a lot to handle all at once. The bottom line is you're going to face problems. It's almost inevitable. There will be those classes where you struggle. There may be whole semesters when you struggle. The only question is, how are you going to respond when it happens?
The Lento Law Firm is here to help. How can an attorney help you with academic issues? That will become clear as you read on. For now, all you need to know is that we're on your side. We know what you're going through, and we're dedicated to helping you make it to graduation.
If your grades have fallen for any reason, contact the Lento Law Firm today at 888-535-3686 or online, and see what we can do to get you back on track.
Academic Progression at the University of Colorado, Denver
Ultimately, your college success depends on how well you meet your school's Academic Standing policies. These policies define what you must do to make steady progress towards your degree, and they describe the penalties you face any time you're not making that progress.
Here's what the University of Colorado at Denver's standing policy has to say.
- Good Standing: Good standing means you're exactly where you need to be academically. The University of Colorado at Denver defines Good standing as maintaining a cumulative grade point average above 2.0.
- Academic Warning: Should your cumulative GPA fall below 2.0, you're then placed on Academic Warning status. As part of this status, you must complete an online Academic Support Module. In addition, you are encouraged to meet with your advisor and map out a plan for academic success. Your primary goal, though, should be to return to Good standing. You have up to five semesters to do that, provided you earn a 2.0 each term.
- Academic Monitoring: If your term GPA should fall below 2.0 while you're on Warning status, you're then moved to Academic Monitoring status. You are required to visit with your advisor before you can register. In addition, you are limited to 13 hours of coursework each term. Again, you remain on Academic Monitoring until such time as you return to Good status or until you are Suspended from the university.
- Academic Suspension: Any time your term GPA is below 2.0 while you're on Academic Monitoring, you then face suspension.
Suspension lasts for one full academic year. You can petition your school or college for readmission. However, you must be able to demonstrate that you are capable of doing college-level work.
Dealing With Academic Standing Decisions
The University of Colorado at Denver doesn't offer any formal means of appealing an academic sanction. Generally speaking, such sanctions are based on your cumulative and term GPAs, and the university doesn't consider those subject to review.
That doesn't mean you have to accept Warning status, Academic Monitoring, or Suspension. The attorneys at the Lento Law Firm know a number of options for improving your GPA and avoiding the threat of an academic sanction. For example,
- If your academic deficiencies are the result of extenuating circumstances—a family emergency, for example, or a serious illness—you can try appealing directly to the dean of your school or college to suspend your sanction and give you more time to improve.
- Students with disabilities are often entitled to course accommodations like access to special technology or more time to complete assignments. If you consistently struggle to pass your courses, you might consider visiting with Disability Services and getting yourself tested.
- You should never suffer mistreatment in the classroom. If an instructor is treating you unfairly, you should report that to the instructor's department head immediately.
- An allegation of cheating or plagiarism can lead to a low grade. Instructors have the power to issue any sanction up to and including course failure. However, you have the right to challenge their decisions to the university's Academic Integrity Committee (AIC)
- Some faculty are open to the possibility of grade negotiation. Maybe you passed your final exam score, for instance, even though you didn't pass the class. You might try arguing that the exam demonstrates you mastered course material well enough to deserve a better grade.
While there are a number of options for protecting yourself from an academic sanction, they aren't all obvious. The attorneys at the Lento Law Firm can work with you to come up with the right solution for your particular situation. We'll also help you to implement that solution, whether that means helping you collect evidence to back up your arguments or figuring out exactly who to talk to when you think you might have a disability.
What Can the Lento Law Firm Do For You?
Students ask all the time: How is an attorney supposed to help me make it through college? It's a fair question. After all, it's not like you're on trial for shoplifting. You need help with your grades. That's normally a matter of keeping up with your reading, visiting the writing center, and getting assignments in on time.
The thing is, though, succeeding in college is often as much about navigating bureaucracy as it is about writing papers and taking exams. No one knows more about dealing with bureaucracy than attorneys, and no one knows more about dealing with educational bureaucracy than the Educational Law Team at the Lento Law Firm. That team was assembled specifically to handle student conduct and academic progress issues.
The attorneys at the Lento Law Firm are on your side. We understand that no one is perfect, and we're committed to the idea that a few mistakes shouldn't keep you from earning your degree and going on to a successful career. We'll fight to make sure you're treated fairly and that you get all the rights you deserve. You've worked hard to get to this point. Don't let that hard work go to waste. To find out more about how you can fight dismissal, contact the Lento Law Firm today at 888-535-3686 or use our automated online form.
