You know all the typical things to try when you're struggling to keep your grades up—doubling down on your studying, visiting professors during office hours, joining study groups. What do you do when those strategies don't work?
The thing is, college success can be as much about learning how to navigate a university system as it is about mastering the Periodic Table. You need to know what to do if your English comp course page says you didn't upload your midterm paper when you know that you did. You need to know who to talk to when you just can't seem to get along with your econ instructor. Not knowing can cost you assignment points. That can lead to lower course grades. And that can tank your GPA.
If this is the situation you find yourself in, the attorneys at the Lento Law Firm can help. Our Education Law Team has been at this a long time, long enough to have learned all the best tips and tricks for getting to graduation unscathed. Not only can we help you navigate the University of Wisconsin, Whitewater system, but we can show you how to use that system to your advantage.
Want to know more? Call 888-535-3686 today, or take a little time now and tell us what kind of problem you're facing.
Academic Progress Standards at the University of Wisconsin, Whitewater
Let's start with the basics. What exactly does “academic progress” mean at the University of Wisconsin, Whitewater? Like every other college and university, UW-Whitewater maintains an academic standing policy. The purpose of that policy is to let you know what's required of you academically. The policy serves a punitive purpose as well. Any time your GPA falls, you face a series of progressively more severe consequences.
- Good Standing: The goal is to remain in good standing throughout your college career. To do that, you need a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0. Keep yours above this level, and you shouldn't have to worry about making it to graduation on time.
- Academic Warning: A term GPA below 2.0 means an academic warning. Technically, you remain in good standing, but UW-Whitewater wants to let you know you're in danger of a more serious sanction. While on academic warning status, you are limited to no more than 15 hours per term.
- Academic Probation: Should your cumulative GPA fall below 2.0, UW-Whitewater places you on academic probation. Again, you are limited to 15 hours per semester. In addition, you may be asked to meet with your advisor before registering or to complete study skills webinars. Your primary goal, however, should be to return to good standing. You can remain on probation indefinitely so long as you earn a minimum 2.0-term GPA each semester.
- Academic Dismissal: If you cannot keep your semester GPA above 2.0 while on probation, you are then subject to dismissal. Dismissals last for a minimum of one full semester. Your return from a first dismissal is automatic, though you'll be placed on probation once again when you re-enroll. If you've been suspended twice, however, you must fill out a re-entry application and meet with the university's Academic Standards Coordinator.
Dealing With Academic Sanctions
There are ways to deal with academic sanctions—even dismissals. For instance, if you've been dealing with “extraordinary” circumstances, UW-Whitewater allows you to apply for immediate reinstatement to the university following a dismissal. You can also take courses during the Winterim or Summer term following your dismissal. If you can bring your GPA up to good standing levels, you can remain at the university.
Recovering from a dismissal should never be option one, though. It doesn't have to be. Lento Law Firm attorneys know a number of ways to keep your GPA healthy. For instance,
- You may occasionally come across instructors who refuse to treat you fairly. It doesn't matter the reason. If you feel you're being mistreated in the classroom, you should report that immediately to your instructor's department head.
- A low GPA can be a sign of an undiagnosed learning disability, such as ADD or ADHD. You have the right to testing and, if you do have such a disability, to course accommodations when you need them. In addition, you can ask UW-Whitewater to set aside your low grades and allow you to retake courses.
- Academic misconduct allegations can also lead to low grades. If your instructor feels you've cheated or committed some type of plagiarism, they can lower your assignment grade or your course grade. You have the right to challenge their decisions, however. At a minimum, you can file a grade appeal once the semester is over.
- Faculty are sometimes willing to assign makeup and extra credit work. You may have to ask them for such assignments, and they can say no, but there is no penalty for asking.
- Some faculty are also open to direct grade negotiation. If, for example, you did particularly well on your final exam, you might try arguing that your performance merits a higher course grade.
Your advisor may not suggest some of these options. In fact, they may not even know about a few of them. As we said, we've been doing this for a while now. If there's a solution to your academic progress issues, you can count on your Lento Law Firm attorney to find it. They'll also work with you to implement that solution, whether that means filing a formal appeal or coaching you on how to negotiate with faculty. We're always on your side and willing to use every resource at our disposal to ensure your academic success.
What Can the Lento Law Firm Do For You?
Your University of Wisconsin, Whitewater diploma is far more than just a piece of paper. It's your avenue to a successful career. If it's under threat for any reason, 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 progress 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.
