You know that if you want to succeed in college, you've got to get yourself up and to class every day. You've got to study. You've got to spend some time in the library. That's especially true at UC Riverside, a school that takes academics seriously.
What you may not have realized is that figuring out how to navigate university bureaucracy can be just as important to your GPA as mastering quadratic equations. UC Riverside is a complex system, and unless you know how to get around it, you can easily get lost. Who do you talk to, for instance, if you need to deal with a death in the family? What do you do if one of your professors just doesn't seem to like you?
The Lento Law Firm can't write your papers for you or take your exams, and we won't give you a wake-up call to make sure you get to class. What we can do, though, is help you deal with the UC Riverside system. We know exactly who to talk to when you run into trouble and exactly what to say. We also know plenty of tips and tricks for making sure your GPA stays in the safe zone. To find out more about how the Lento Law Firm's Education Law Team can help keep your academic career on track, call today at 888-535-3686 or use our automated online form.
Academic Progression at UC Riverside
There are lots of ways to define college success. Some people talk about developing the right social skills. Others focus on education as an important step in a career. There actually is a concrete definition at UC Riverside, though. It's contained in the school's Academic Standing policy. According to that policy, Good standing is fairly straightforward. Good standing means maintaining a cumulative grade point average above 2.0. If you can't do that, things can get complicated.
- Probation: The first consequence for a GPA below 2.0 is probation. Probation isn't just a warning. It also comes with a set of restrictions. You must take no fewer than 12 hours and no more than 15. You are barred from participating in an internship. And you can't take any incomplete grades. Plus, you have to meet regularly with your advisor throughout the semester. The good news is that you can remain on Probation for up to two quarters, provided you earn at least a 2.33 each quarter. Of course, your primary goal while on Probation should be to return to Good standing.
- Dismissal: A quarter GPA below 1.5, more than two semesters with a cumulative GPA below 2.0, or a quarter GPA below 2.33 while on Probation will earn you a far more serious penalty: dismissal. In most circumstances, dismissal means permanent separation from the university. In addition, dismissal is noted on your transcript, and that can keep you from enrolling at other colleges and universities. UC Riverside does sometimes allow students to petition for readmission, but you must fulfill assigned requirements to be eligible.
Dealing With Academic Standing Decisions
In addition to applications for readmission, UC Riverside also offers an appeals process for students whose dismissals may have been caused by extenuating circumstances. If, for example, you've been dealing with the end of a relationship or forced to work extra hours at a job, you can request additional time to improve. The attorneys at the Lento Law Firm are experienced in filing both readmission petitions and dismissal appeals. We're familiar with UC Riverside paperwork and exactly what kind of evidence readmission committees look for.
Of course, you're always better off if you can pull your GPA up before you reach the point of dismissal. While there are no formal processes for doing this, the Lento Law Firm's Education Law Team knows some informal options that can help. For example,
- Low grades can sometimes be a sign of a deeper problem. Consider visiting Disability Services and getting tested for learning disabilities. If it turns out you have ADD, ADHD, dyslexia, or some other condition, you may be entitled to special course accommodations. You may also be able to drop low grades from your GPA and retake those courses.
- Low grades are sometimes the result of academic misconduct allegations. If your instructor thinks you've cheated on an exam or committed plagiarism, they may lower your grade on the assignment or your course grade. However, you can appeal their decision to the Office of Student Conduct and Academic Integrity (SCAIP).
- Any time you feel you are being mistreated by an instructor; you should report their behavior to their department head. You may be entitled to some form of grade relief or, at a minimum, to retake the course.
- Faculty are sometimes willing to assign makeup or extra credit work to students with borderline grades. Not every instructor is open to this possibility, but there's no penalty for asking, and such assignments can be an easy way to keep your GPA up.
- Some faculty will negotiate grades. For instance, you may have failed a course but shown real improvement throughout the quarter. You can always ask your instructor to take your improvement into consideration.
The attorneys at the Lento Law Firm have been helping students for many years. Along the way we've learned a lot of strategies for dealing with academic deficiencies. We'll work with you to find the very best possible solution, and we'll help you put a practical plan into action. Whether you need us to gather evidence, draft an appeal, or coach you in negotiation tactics, we're on your side and will do whatever we can to help you earn your degree.
What Can the Lento Law Firm Do for You?
You know what the statistics say about people who enter the workforce without a college degree. Your UC Riverside diploma is more than just a piece of paper. It's your avenue to a successful career, and if it's under threat, you can't afford to try and handle the problem by yourself. At the first sign of trouble, contact the Lento Law Firm's Education Law Team. Whether you need to know where to direct your appeals or need to file a formal grade grievance, we'll work to get you back on track. We'll make sure you're treated fairly and that you have every possible chance to earn your degree.
Before you reach the point of probation or dismissal, call the Lento Law Firm today at 888-535-3686 or use our automated online form.
