You knew coming into it that college would be tougher than high school. Courses are rigorous at the University of Nevada, Reno, and a demanding professor can make even the strictest high school teacher seem like a pushover. Plus, there's all that adulting to worry about. A year ago, you had someone else to wake you up every morning and make sure you went to bed on time. Now, it's all on you.
Given the circumstances, it's really not all that surprising that your grades have dipped a little. Another important difference between high school and college, though? They can't kick you out of high school, no matter how low your GPA might go.
So, if you're struggling a bit or more than a bit, it's important you handle it early. The Lento Law Firm can help. Our Education Law Team was founded to make sure students get the rights they deserve and the very best possible education. We know your rights, we know how the UNR system works, and, most importantly, we're on your side no matter what kind of issue you may be facing.
To find out more, contact the Lento Law Firm today at 888-535-3686 or fill out one of our automated online questionnaires.
Academic Progression at the University of Nevada, Reno
Let's start with the basics: just what does UNR's academic standing policy have to say? What do you need to do to make steady progress toward your degree, and what happens if you falter?
- Good Standing: This is where you want to be. It means you're making at least the minimum necessary grades to get yourself to graduation. At UNR, you have to keep at least a 2.0 cumulative grade point average in order to remain in Good Standing.
- Academic Distress: UNR won't dismiss you the moment your grades fall below that 2.0 number. The university went through a lot of trouble to admit you and isn't anxious to see you fail. There is a penalty, though. Initially, you're placed on Academic Distress. As part of Academic Distress, you must meet with an advisor before you can register for the next semester. Your primary job, though, is to get yourself back to Good Standing. You can take as long as you need to do that as long as you earn at least a 2.0-term GPA.
- Notice of Academic Dismissal: UNR doesn't dismiss you even if your term GPA falls below 2.0 while you're on Academic Distress. Instead, you're given a Notice of Academic Dismissal. This means just what it sounds like it means. There's nowhere else to go from here but up. If your semester GPA should remain below 2.0, you face complete Dismissal from the university.
- Dismissal: This means separation from the university. You may not take courses once you've been Dismissed. You can apply for Release from Dismissal, which allows you to return to school. However, you must remain away from UNR for at least one year before filing your application. Applications are reviewed by a committee including representatives from across campus, and your return is not guaranteed. You must be able to demonstrate that your situation has materially changed since you were dismissed.
Dealing With Academic Standing Decisions
The University of Nevada, Reno, does offer an administrative review process for students whose academic records change substantially after they've been dismissed. If, for example, you successfully appeal a grade or you complete coursework and replace an Incomplete, you may be able to get immediate relief from a Dismissal. Otherwise, however, the school offers no formal means of challenging any academic sanctions.
However, the attorneys at the Lento Law Firm have helped hundreds of students over the years, and along the way, they've learned a number of informal strategies for keeping your GPA above the danger zone.
- If your academic deficiencies are the result of extenuating circumstances, such as a long-term illness or a family emergency, you can try petitioning your school or college dean for more time to improve.
- You are entitled to fair treatment in the classroom. If you feel an instructor is mistreating you in some way, you should bring that to the immediate attention of the instructor's department head. This can be grounds for a grade replacement.
- Low grades can be a symptom of an underlying learning disability, such as ADD or ADHD. If you get tested and discover you have such a disability, you can request course accommodations like extra time to complete assignments or a designated peer note-taker. You can also ask UNR to set aside your lower grades and allow you to retake those courses.
- An academic misconduct allegation can lead to a low grade in a course. Instructors are authorized to decide whether you've committed such misconduct and to assign an appropriate penalty. If you've received a low grade because you've been accused of cheating or plagiarism, you have the right to defend yourself by appealing up the chain of command, first to the instructor's department chair and then to the undergraduate Academic Integrity Board.
- Faculty are sometimes open to negotiating grades, especially if you have a compelling argument. If, for instance, your final exam score is especially high, you might try asking your instructor to use it as your course grade.
- Some faculty are also open to assigning makeup or extra credit to students with borderline grades. A paper rewrite or an extra lab assignment could be all you need to get your GPA up.
No matter what your particular situation, the attorneys at the Lento Law Firm will work with you to come up with an appropriate solution. Then, they'll stand by your side while you put that solution into action. Whether you need help drafting a formal appeal, you'd like coaching on how to negotiate with professors, or you just need us to identify which office can best deal with your issue, we're here for you.
Of course, if the worst should happen and you should wind up dismissed, we're also skilled at putting together readmission packages. We know what makes for the best evidence and how to make you appealing to the review committee.
What Can the Lento Law Firm Do for You?
Your University of Nevada, Reno 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 automated online form.
