If you're struggling with academic progress issues at Valdosta State, the Lento Law Firm can help. We know what you're saying: “How exactly is an attorney supposed to help me with my GPA?” You might be surprised.
You see, academic success isn't just about writing papers and studying for exams. It also has a lot to do with how well you navigate the university system. Valdosta State is an enormous bureaucracy, and when you have a problem, academic or otherwise, life is a lot simpler if you know who to talk to in that bureaucracy and what to say.
No one is better at dealing with bureaucracy than lawyers. And no lawyers are better at dealing with university bureaucracy than the ones at the Lento Law Firm. Our Education Law Team was founded to help students succeed. We know how Valdosta State works, and we can show you how to use the system to keep your GPA out of the danger zone.
We'll get into some tips and tricks for doing that below. For now, know that any time you're struggling with your grades, you owe it to yourself to find out how we can help. Call 888-535-3686 today to find out more, or take a little time now and tell us what kind of problem you're facing.
Academic Progress Standards at Valdosta State University
We mentioned the academic “danger zone.” What does that mean, exactly?
Like all colleges and universities, Valdosta State has something called an academic standing policy. That policy tells you exactly what you need to do to make steady progress toward your degree. It isn't just a set of suggestions, though. It also sets clear standards and clear penalties if you're not meeting those standards.
Here are the highlights.
- Good Standing: As the name implies, good standing is where you want to be. It means you're meeting the standards. It also means you don't have to worry about any academic sanctions. At Valdosta State, good standing is based on a sliding scale tied to the number of hours you've completed.
- Between 1 and 29 hours, a GPA of 1.6 or better will keep you in good standing.
- Between 30 and 59 hours, you need at least a 1.75 to remain in good standing.
- Between 60 and 89 hours, you need at least a 1.9.
- Over 90 hours, you need at least a 2.0.
- Academic Probation: Fall out of good standing, and you're placed on academic probation. You can also receive probation any time your term GPA falls below 2.0. There are no direct penalties for academic probation, but you are one step closer to a more serious sanction. The good news is that you can remain on probation as long as it takes you to return to good standing, provided you earn a minimum 2.0-term GPA.
- Academic Suspension: Should your term GPA fall below 2.0 while you're on probation, Valdosta State suspends you. First suspensions last for a minimum of one semester, and you must complete an academic readmission application to return. Second suspensions last for two semesters.
- Academic Dismissal: Finally, should you receive a third suspension, it is treated as outright dismissal. Even in these cases, it is possible to return to the university. However, you must sit out for a minimum of three years before you may reapply.
Dealing With Academic Sanctions
If you've reached the point of suspension or dismissal, you do have options. First, if you've been dealing with any sort of extenuating circumstances, such as a serious illness or a family crisis, you can file a formal appeal with the Suspension Appeals Committee, asking it to set aside your sanction and allow you to remain on probation.
Second, you can serve your suspension and petition for readmission.
In either case, your Lento Law Firm attorney can help you put together the necessary appeals. We know what university committees look for in terms of evidence, and we know how to make you look your very best on paper.
If you haven't yet reached the point of suspension, though, we can also offer some useful strategies for avoiding it altogether. For example,
- Low grades can be a sign of a learning disability. You have the right to disability testing through the Office of Disability Services. If it turns out you have such a disability, you can further petition the university to drop low grades from your GPA and allow you to retake courses without penalty.
- Academic misconduct allegations are another common source of a low GPA. Your instructors have the authority to lower your assignment grades and course grades if they suspect you of cheating or plagiarism. You can challenge their allegations, though. Even if you did make a mistake, you may be entitled to a less severe sanction, one that might salvage your grade point.
- Some faculty will negotiate grades if you have a strong argument. If you did well on a cumulative final exam, for example, you might try asking an instructor to take that into account when figuring your overall course grade.
- You can also try asking instructors for makeup and extra credit assignments. This is often the quickest, easiest way to pull up a GPA.
- Any time you feel an instructor is mistreating you—even senior faculty—you should report this to your instructor's department head. They may be able to provide you with immediate relief. At a minimum, they can document your complaint and explain how to file a formal grade appeal.
None of these solutions will work in every situation. The moment your grades begin to slip, it's important that you contact the Lento Law Firm. We can work with you to design a plan and get you back on track, whether that means filing a formal appeal or coaching you on how to negotiate with faculty. We'll use every resource at our disposal to help safeguard your academic future.
What Can the Lento Law Firm Do For You?
Your Valdosta State University 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.
