College can be the most amazing four (OK, five) years of your life. It's a chance to establish your independence, define your identity, make new friends, and have new experiences. Let's be clear, though: the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) doesn't just give degrees away. College is also a lot of hard work: going to class, studying, taking exams, writing papers. And even the slightest misstep can put everything in jeopardy. Miss a few days because you're sick, and suddenly you're behind. Now you're struggling to catch up, you're not doing your best work, your stressed, and before you know it your GPA has fallen. It happens even to the best students.
It doesn't have to, though. The Lento Law Firm is here to help. No, we can't take your classes for you or write your papers. We won't call every morning to make sure you get out of bed. Often, though, dealing with academic issues is as much about learning to navigate the system as it is about acing exams. The Lento Law Firm knows the UTEP system. We know who to talk to when you have a problem and what to say. We know all the tips and tricks for protecting your GPA.
If your grades have fallen—for any reason—contact us today at 888-535-3686 to find out how we can help. Or use our automated our automated online form.
Academic Progression at UTEP
There are lots of platitudes about what it means to “succeed” in college: dedication, commitment, and a sense of personal responsibility. The bottom line, though, is that success is defined in concrete terms by meeting UTEP's academic standing policy. Do that, and you'll earn your degree. Fail to do that, and you won't. It's that simple.
All undergraduates at UTEP must maintain a 2.0 cumulative GPA in order to remain in good standing. The good news is you won't be dismissed the moment your grades fall below that number. You should know that there are consequences for low grades, though, and you can ultimately face dismissal. As the School of Engineering's website explains, you face sanctions for a low GPA, and those sanctions are progressive.
- Good Probation: Any time your cumulative GPA drops below 2.0, you are placed on Academic Probation. You can continue to enroll in classes while on Probation, but you must meet with your advisor and develop an academic plan for moving forward. This plan must be approved by your school or college dean.
- Academic Suspension: If you cannot raise your cumulative GPA while on probation, you then face Academic Suspension. A first suspension lasts for a minimum of one semester. During this period, you may not enroll in courses at UTEP. A second suspension lasts for at least one year, and you must apply to your department for reinstatement. Reinstatement is not guaranteed. A third suspension lasts for at least two years.
UTEP does not address what happens to students who face a fourth suspension, but the assumption is that such a situation would mean permanent dismissal. Of course, dismissal can happen after any suspension should your department decide to reject your reinstatement petition.
Dealing With Academic Standing Decisions
UTEP doesn't offer any formal means of challenging an academic sanction. The school treats your GPA as an objective fact, one that is just not open to debate.
This doesn't mean you must simply accept probation, suspension, or dismissal. The Lento Law Firm's Education Law Team has been working with students for many years, and we know a number of options for avoiding sanctions. For instance,
- If your academic deficiencies were caused by extenuating circumstances, like a hospital stay or the death of a family member, you can petition the dean directly for more time to improve.
- You are always entitled to fair treatment in the classroom. If you feel an instructor is mistreating you, you should report that to the instructor's department head.
- If you have a disability, including a learning disability, you may deserve course accommodations, like extra time to complete assignments or access to special technology. If your instructor doesn't grant you these accommodations, you can appeal to Disability Services for grade relief.
- Allegations of cheating or plagiarism can also lead to low grades. Your instructors have the power to sanction you for academic misconduct, and sanctions can include lowered grades up to and including an F in the course. However, you have the right to appeal their decisions and to defend yourself at a hearing.
- Faculty are sometimes willing to negotiate grades. At a minimum, you can ask them for makeup or extra credit assignments. More sophisticated arguments sometimes work as well. For example, if your final exam grade was especially high, you might ask them to use this grade as your course grade.
Knowing there are options for protecting yourself isn't the same as knowing what all the options are or knowing how to implement them. The Lento Law Firm can help you come up with the right solution for your particular situation. They'll also work with you to put that solution into action, whether that means helping you draft appeals, coaching you on how to negotiate with faculty, or suggesting what evidence you need to document your situation.
Finally, though, should worse come to worst and you find yourself suspended, the Lento Law Firm is also well-versed in all the aspects of filing reinstatement petitions. We know what evidence committees look for and how to make you look your very best on paper.
What Can the Lento Law Firm Do for You?
It may seem counter-intuitive: the idea that a lawyer might be able to help you make it through college. You're not on trial for shoplifting; you're struggling to pass calculus.
Here's the thing: navigating college bureaucracy is every bit as important to your grades as learning how to write a research paper. No one knows more about bureaucracy than lawyers, and no one knows more about education bureaucracy than the Lento Law Firm's Education Law Team. That team was assembled for the express purpose of helping students deal with 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 academic sanctions, contact the Lento Law Firm today, at 888-535-3686, or use our automated online form.
