They don't just hand out diplomas at the University of Notre Dame. If you're going to walk across that stage at the end of four years, you're going to have to pass challenging courses taught by demanding professors. You're going to have to learn how to write, how to research, and how to think critically.
Unfortunately, you're also going to have to learn how to deal with bureaucracy. It's a sad fact of education, but colleges and universities are virtually defined by their complex administrative structures and their red tape. Think about how complicated it is just to park on campus. It's no exaggeration to say that getting a degree is as much about learning to navigate the system as it is about learning academic subjects.
If you're struggling to meet the University of Notre Dame's educational standards, you probably shouldn't be surprised to learn that a knowledgeable, experienced attorney-advisor can be as valuable as a tutor. Joseph D. Lento can't take your classes for you. He can't help you cram for a test or finish reading that novel that's assigned for English lit. What he can do is help you with your school's bureaucracy. He can pressure faculty and administration to review your case carefully. He can make sure you're treated fairly and that you get every right you deserve.
A bad grade or a bad semester shouldn't keep you from getting a high-quality education. Joseph D. Lento wants to make sure it doesn't.
Academic Progression Requirements at the University of Notre Dame
We think of universities as places of learning, and to a certain extent, they are. College is also a numbers game, though. It's important, for instance, that you accumulate hours and that you maintain a particular grade point average while you do so.
The University of Notre Dame has strict criteria—numbers—that define “academic progress,” and if you fail to meet these criteria, you can find yourself on probation or even dismissed from the school.
To remain in “good” academic standing, the most important requirement is that you meet GPA standards. These vary depending on how far along you are toward your degree.
- During your first semester, you must earn at least a 1.7 GPA.
- During your second semester, you must earn at least a 1.8 GPA.
- After your first year, you must earn at least a 2.0 GPA.
If you fall short of these marks, you face academic probation. Probationary status means you're ineligible to hold student body office, serve as an officer in any university club, or participate in athletics. More importantly, if you cannot raise your GPA after two semesters on probation, you are subject to dismissal from the university. In fact, you can be dismissed for any three semesters of probation, even if they are not consecutive.
The University of Notre Dame does have a process for readmission to the university if you've been dismissed. However, that process involves convincing the school's Review Committee for Returning Students that you are ready to resume your studies. Ultimately, there's no guarantee your petition will be successful.
Finally, if you continue to struggle after returning from dismissal, you risk permanent separation from the university.
Dealing With Probation and Dismissal Decisions
The University of Notre Dame makes academic standing decisions at the end of the spring semester. However, if you've failed to achieve the required GPA in both the fall and spring semesters, you will be dismissed rather than put on probation.
There is an appeals process if you've been dismissed and if you believe you have extenuating circumstances that led to your poor academic performance. You must make your appeal to the dean of your school or college in writing, and there are strict deadlines for filing.
Otherwise, there is no formal process for challenging academic standing issues since these are generally a matter of objective numbers. There are some informal ways to deal with both probation and dismissal, though.
- Any time you feel you have been mistreated by an instructor, you have the right to raise your concerns to the head of your department and the dean of your school or college. You may be entitled to some form of grade relief.
- Some faculty are open to grade negotiation. If, for instance, you did well on your final exam, you might be able to convince an instructor to weigh that more heavily in your final grade calculation.
- Faculty are also sometimes willing to offer extra credit or makeup assignments to help you bring up a grade, especially if your grade is borderline. If they issue an Incomplete while you finish this work, that “I” can make a big difference in terms of a grade point.
Joseph D. Lento knows all the options available to you—both formal and informal—and can help you decide which one is best for your particular situation. In addition, should the worst happen and you find yourself dismissed from Notre Dame, Joseph D. Lento is experienced at preparing and filing readmission documents.
Premier Education Attorney-Advisor
An attorney-advisor isn't a substitute for hard work and discipline. If you want to succeed at the University of Notre Dame, you're going to have to go to class; you're going to have to study, and you're going to have to research. If you're doing all that, though, and you're still struggling to meet the school's requirements, Joseph D. Lento may be able to help.
Joseph D. Lento is an attorney, but he's not just any attorney. He focuses on student conduct and academic progress issues. He knows how the various systems at Notre Dame work, and he's comfortable talking with faculty and administrators.
More important than anything else, Joseph D. Lento is on your side. He understands that no one is perfect, and he doesn't think that a few mistakes should keep you from earning your degree and going on to a successful career.
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 888-555-3686, or use our automated online form.
