College isn't like high school. OK, there are some similarities. Both involve taking classes, studying, exams, and papers. College courses are generally far more rigorous, though. Most professors are more demanding than even the strictest high school teachers. Oh, and one other thing: you're trying to learn how to adult while you're in college.
It's no surprise, then, that many students struggle, especially during their first couple of years of college. It's not easy balancing calculus with learning how to separate your colors from your whites. It's not unusual for your GPA to fall. The thing is, if it should fall too much, you can face serious consequences, up to and including dismissal.
If you're struggling academically, the Lento Law Firm may be able to help. A lawyer might not be your first thought when you're trying to do better in biology, but you might be surprised. It turns out that navigating university bureaucracy can sometimes be as crucial to student success as memorizing the table of elements. That's where we can help.
If your grades have fallen—for any reason—contact us today at 888-535-3686 to see what we can do. Or use our automated our automated online form.
Academic Progression at Cal State, Fresno
The definition of college success is actually pretty straightforward. Cal State Fresno, like other universities, maintains an academic standing policy. According to that policy, you're in good standing as long as you keep your cumulative grade point average above 2.0. That's sometimes easier said than done, though. And the consequences for failing to do so can get complicated.
- Probation: The most immediate result of a GPA below 2.0 is probation. As you would expect, probation is a warning status. You still have the opportunity to improve and return to good standing. In fact, you can remain on probation as long as it takes to do that, provided your GPA does not fall further.
- Disqualification: If, while on probation, your GPA falls below a certain pre-defined level based on your class standing, you then face disqualification from the university.
- For freshmen (0-30 hours), that number is 1.5
- For sophomores (30-59 hours), that number is 1.7
- For juniors (60-89 hours), that number is 1.85
- For seniors (above 90 hours), that number is 1.95
Disqualification means separation from Cal State, Fresno. You may not take classes for credit, and you are no longer considered a student.
Cal State Fresno does offer a process for gaining readmission to the university. Should you successfully petition for readmission, you are placed on Readmitted on Probation status and expected to earn a 2.5 your first semester back. However, at any time, the school can refuse your readmission application, in which case disqualification becomes permanent.
Dealing With Academic Standing Decisions
It's great that Cal State Fresno gives students who have been disqualified the opportunity to reapply. You're always better off avoiding disqualification in the first place, though.
Unfortunately, the university doesn't offer any formal means of appealing a probation or disqualification decision. However, there are some useful strategies for protecting yourself from these outcomes.
- Any time your academic deficiencies are the result of extenuating circumstances—a serious illness, for instance, or a family crisis—you can try appealing to the dean of your particular school or college for more time to improve.
- You deserve fair treatment from all your instructors. Any time you aren't getting that, you should immediately contact the instructor's department head. You may be entitled to some form of grade relief.
- If you have a disability, you may have a right to certain course accommodations, like extra time to complete assignments. If you should discover you have a disability, you can petition the university to allow you to retake courses with accommodations in place.
- Some low grades can be the result of academic misconduct allegations. If you've been accused of cheating or plagiarism, your instructor may have lowered your grade or even failed you in the course altogether. However, you can challenge their decisions in a departmental hearing.
- Some faculty are willing to negotiate for grades. An extra credit or makeup assignment could give you enough points for a higher grade. Or perhaps your final exam grade was especially high and demonstrates you deserve a better score for the semester.
There are options out there for avoiding academic sanctions. And you do have rights as a college student at Fresno State. It's not always easy to know what these are, though, or to know how to use them effectively. The Lento Law Firm can help. We'll work with you to come up with a plan that's tailor-made for your individual situation. Then, we'll help you implement that plan, whether that means gathering evidence, filing an appeal, or coaching you in negotiation tactics.
Should you find yourself disqualified, we're also familiar with Fresno State's readmission process. We know how to make you look good on an application and give you your best chance at resuming your studies.
What Can the Lento Law Firm Do For You?
There may be no more complex bureaucracy in America than the university. It's hard enough taking classes, getting used to living with someone, and making good decisions about when to study and when to party. You don't have time to figure out how the Fresno State system works, too.
It turns out, though, that lawyers are especially good at dealing with bureaucracy. It's actually part of law school. The Education Law Team at the Lento Law Firm was founded to deal with educational bureaucracy. We know the law; we know how your school operates, and we're ready to put what we know to work in service of your future.
At the first sign of trouble, don't wait. Let the Lento Law Firm help you before you reach the point of probation or disqualification. Call today at 888-535-3686 or use our automated online form.
