[Nyororin]

If your visa is in the application process, you SHOULD have gotten a stamp in your passport to this effect. If you have not, then I am a bit concerned... If you have the stamp then it will basically extend your visa until you either receive a new one or are denied a renewal.
Show your passport with the stamp if there is some reason to present your visa info.
If you did not receive a stamp, then your visa is not being processed, and once it expires you are out of luck. If there is no stamp saying you`re being processed, contact your school and make arrangements to GET THE STAMP. Your school could be sitting on the application/papers for all we know - and once the visa actually expires, unless it is in processing you can no longer renew.

However, if I recall correctly, you can request to be changed over to a tourist visa after expiration if all else fails. At least that was a possibility back years ago.