Academic success doesn't just happen. You have to go to class. You have to study. It helps to visit professors during office hours and spend a little time in the library. That's not all there is to it either, though. Often, making good grades can be as much about learning how to navigate university bureaucracy as it is about learning the Periodic Table.
If you're struggling to keep your GPA up, we can help you figure out how to deal with the California Polytechnic State University system. The attorneys at the Lento Law Firm know who to talk to when you have to miss class for a family emergency; we know what kind of paperwork is involved in appealing a grade; we know how to negotiate with professors.
Most important of all, though, we're on your side. The Lento Law Firm's Student Defense Team was founded to help students get the rights they deserve and to make sure you have the very best opportunity to earn your degree. We know what you're up against, and we're here to help you handle it.
So, when you get that first D or F, don't wait to see what might happen next. Call 888-535-3686 to find out what the Lento Law Firm can do for you, or use our automated online form.
Academic Progression at Cal Poly
Let's start with the basics: just what is involved in making steady academic progress at Cal Poly? The university maintains an academic standing policy that provides the answer. Good standing, which is where you want to be, requires you to maintain a cumulative grade point average above 2.0. That's sometimes easier said than done. So, what happens if you dip below that number?
- Academic Probation: The first consequence of a low GPA is Probation. Luckily, there are no extra requirements when you're on Probation—no extra courses to take, no webinars to complete. In fact, you're not even required to make extra advising appointments. You should be aware that you may not hold office in any student organizations while on Probation. In addition, should your GPA continue to fall, you risk more serious academic sanctions.
- Academic Disqualification: In addition to the magic Probation number of 2.0, you can be “Disqualified” should your GPA fall below a second cutoff number. This second number is based on how many courses you've completed.
- If you're between 0 and 20 percent of your required courses, the minimum GPA to remain on Probation is 1.5.
- If you're between 20 and 45 percent, the minimum GPA is 1.7.
- If you're between 45 and 74 percent, the minimum GPA is 1.8.
- If you're between 74 and 100 percent, the minimum GPA is 1.95
Disqualification means you are no longer eligible to register for classes. Further, if you don't take steps to remedy your Disqualification, you are subject to complete Dismissal from the university.
Dealing With Academic Standing Decisions
Cal Poly does provide a means of addressing a Disqualification. You can “appeal for reinstatement.” If your appeal is granted, you may continue at the university under an “academic success contract.” As long as you meet the terms of that contract, you remain enrolled and on Probation. In fact, if you're disqualified after the Winter quarter, your reinstatement under contract is automatic.
The attorneys at the Lento Law Firm are highly experienced at filing these types of petitions. We know what universities look for in these documents and how to make you look your best on paper. In addition, we can work with you to file an appeal if you've been dismissed entirely from Cal Poly. It's never too late to resume your studies.
Reaching the point of Disqualification can be a serious disruption to your academic career, though. It means filling out extra paperwork, and it can result in time away from the university. Time away is never a good thing: it's always hard getting back to studying once you've gotten out of the habit. It turns out, though, that the Lento Law Firm knows some useful strategies for keeping your GPA up and avoiding reaching the point of Disqualification or even Probation.
- If you can point to mitigating circumstances as the reason for your low grades, you may be able to earn extra time to improve. Contact your school or college dean and explain what's happening.
- If you should discover you have a previously undiagnosed learning disability, you may be entitled to course accommodations like extra time to complete assignments. In addition, you can ask the university to set aside your low grades and allow you to retake those courses.
- Low grades are sometimes the result of academic misconduct allegations. If your instructor has accused you of cheating or plagiarism, they must lower your grades as well. However, you have the right to challenge their decisions to the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities.
- If you have a compelling argument, you might try negotiating with an instructor for a higher grade. For instance, you might try convincing a professor to use your higher final exam grade as your course grade.
- Some faculty are willing to consider extra credit and make-up assignments if your grade is borderline.
- You should never suffer mistreatment in the classroom. If an instructor is treating you unfairly, you should report that immediately to the instructor's department head. You could have grounds for a grade appeal.
No matter what your specific situation, you can count on the attorneys at the Lento Law Firm to sit down with you and work out a plan. In addition, though, they'll help you put that plan into action, whether that means drafting a formal appeal or finding out how to get a learning disability diagnosed.
What Can the Lento Law Firm Do for You?
Your Cal Poly diploma is far more than just a piece of paper. It's your avenue to a successful career. If it's under threat, 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 trying to work against you. You need the very best help you can get.
The Lento Law Firm's Student Defense Team has helped hundreds of students just like you to get their academic careers back on track. We know who to talk to when you have a problem, we know exactly what to say, and we know how to say it.
Before you reach the point of Dismissal or even Probation, call us today at 888-535-3686 or use our automated online form.
