College success doesn't happen automatically. You have to have brains and a serious work ethic. You need something else, too: the ability to navigate bureaucracy. If you've ever tried to deal with ULL's Office of Parking Services, you know exactly what we're talking about. It's no easy task figuring out who to call if you think you might have a disability. Every department has a different procedure for submitting a doctor's excuse. And what are you supposed to do if you can't understand what your Pakistani economics professor is saying?
We can help. It might strike you as odd, the idea that lawyers can help with academics, but the Lento Law Firm's Education Law Team knows how to use the UL Lafayette system to your advantage. We've worked with hundreds of students over the years, ensuring they're treated fairly and that they get every reasonable chance to earn their degrees. We can do the same for you.
If you're facing an academic progress issue, call to find out how we can help. Dial 888-535-3686 today, or take a little time now and tell us about your situation.
Academic Progression at the University of Louisiana Lafayette
Making it to graduation at ULL is about meeting academic standards as outlined in the university's academic standing policy.
- Good Standing: This is where you want to be. Good standing means you're making steady progress towards your degree. ULL defines good standing as maintaining a cumulative grade point average above 2.0.
- Academic Probation: What happens if you fall below the magic 2.0 number? ULL places you on academic probation. There are no requirements for probation. You don't need to take an extra class or even schedule an extra meeting with your advisor. Your primary job is to get back to good standing. The nice thing is you can take as long as you need to do that, provided you earn a 2.0 semester GPA.
- Academic Suspension: Should your semester GPA fall below 2.0 while you are on probation, you then face suspension. First and second suspensions at ULL last for one fall or spring semester. Second and subsequent suspensions last for a full year.
The ULL standing policy doesn't mention dismissal. However, you should keep in mind that it can be difficult to return to school after suspension. Students often have trouble getting back into academic habits, and you may not be eligible for financial aid when you return, at least initially. More importantly, your transcript will contain a notation about your suspension, and that can hurt your chances at graduate school and jobs.
Dealing With Academic Standing Decisions
Unfortunately, ULL doesn't offer a formal appeals process for students dealing with academic sanctions. The university does not consider your GPA a matter of debate.
That doesn't mean you have to accept probation and suspension. The attorneys at the Lento Law Firm have been representing students for a long time, and they've learned some useful tips and tricks along the way. For example:
- You may be able to avoid a sanction if you can point to extenuating circumstances as the cause of your academic deficiencies. Talk to your college dean about what's going on, and you may be eligible for more time to improve.
- You can always ask instructors for extra credit or makeup work. These kinds of assignments can push a borderline grade higher, and you're never any worse off for having asked.
- If you're struggling in a lot of your classes, you could be dealing with a learning disability like ADD, ADHD, or dyslexia. Your Lento Law Firm attorney can work with you to get tested. A disability can entitle you to classroom accommodations. It could also be grounds for retaking courses for replacement grades.
- If you've been accused of academic misconduct—cheating or plagiarism—your instructor may have lowered your assignment score or your course grade. You can appeal those decisions, though, to the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities.
- Faculty are sometimes willing to participate in grade negotiation. For instance, if you scored especially high on your final exam, you could try arguing that this should replace your course grade since it reflects what you've learned during the semester.
- You should never suffer mistreatment in the classroom. If you feel you're being mistreated in any way, you should report this to your instructor's department head. You may deserve some type of grade adjustment.
No matter what specific progress issue you may be facing, you can count on the attorneys at the Lento Law Firm to work with you to come up with an effective plan. They'll also help you to implement that plan. The firm's attorneys can help you file an appeal and gather evidence of your academic ability. They can coach you in negotiating with professors. They can help you find the right people to talk to, and they can tell you exactly what to say.
If you should wind up suspended, your Lento Law Firm attorney can also help you put together a strong readmission package. We know what reinstatement committees are looking for, and we know how to make you look your very best on paper.
What Can the Lento Law Firm Do For You?
Your ULL 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. What can we do for you? To find out, call us today at 888-535-3686 or use our online form
