It probably won't come as a surprise to you to learn that college is harder than high school. It should be harder: a college degree is more valuable than a high school degree. Professors are tougher than even the strictest high school teachers, and courses can be incredibly demanding. Plus, you're on your own for the first time. Your parents aren't in the room next to yours anymore, and they won't knock on your door at 6:30 to get you out of bed in the morning. They're not around to hound you about doing your homework. They won't check your breath when you get home at night to make sure you haven't been out drinking. In fact, the transition to “independence” tanks far more college careers than calculus does. It's no wonder, really, that so many students struggle to make it in college.
You don't have to be one of them, though. All you need to do is contact the Lento Law Firm. What can a lawyer do to keep your GPA? You might be surprised. The thing is a lot of college success is about learning how to navigate the system—who to contact when you have a problem and what to say. Your parents aren't around to do that for you, but the Lento Law Firm is.
The firm's Education Law Team is focused on...well, education. We know what protections you have under the law, and we know how to navigate the Chaffey College system. So, at the first sign of trouble, take steps to protect your academic career. Dial 888-535-3686 to speak to a Lento Law Firm attorney, or use the firm's automated online form.
Academic Progression at Chaffey College
If no one's mentioned it to you yet, you should know that the key to making steady academic progress at Chaffey College is following the school's Academic Standing policy. That policy sets the criteria you must meet in order to remain in “Good” standing, and it defines the consequences you'll face any time you do not meet those criteria
- Good Standing: This is where you want to be. It means you're doing what you should academically and on track to graduate. To remain in Good standing, you must maintain a cumulative grade point average of no less than 2.0. In addition, you must successfully complete at least 50 percent of all the courses you attempt. Keep in mind that “successfully complete” means earning a C or better and not taking a W, I, NC, FW, or NP.
- Academic Probation 1: We all have those semesters when nothing seems to go right. When you hit one, it's not unusual for your GPA to slip below that 2.0 mark. It's not the end of the world. Chaffey College simply places you on Academic Probation. You don't have to meet any special requirements while on Probation. There are no extra courses to take or webinars to complete. All you need to do is get back into Good standing. Of course, that means raising your GPA back above 2.0. However, if you can't do that during your first semester on Probation, you're then placed on Academic Probation 2.
- Academic Probation 2: Academic Probation 2 is essentially a second semester of probation. It works exactly like Academic Probation 1, except that you are one step closer to a more serious sanction: Dismissal. Again, your only concern should be to get your GPA up.
- Academic Dismissal: If, after two semesters on Probation, your cumulative GPA remains below 2.0, Chaffey College then dismisses you altogether. Under ordinary circumstances, Dismissal means separation from the college for at least one fall or spring semester. You can apply for readmission after a semester away, but your return is not guaranteed. If you should be allowed to register again for courses, you'll be placed, once again, on Academic 2 Probation, one step away from another Dismissal.
Dealing With Academic Standing Decisions
If the worst should happen, and you should find yourself dismissed from Chaffey College, the Lento Law Firm is experienced at helping students file readmission applications. We know the process, and we know what kinds of evidence these committees like to see.
Of course, the better option is to avoid Dismissal in the first place. As it happens, Chaffey College offers an appeals process that allows students to resume their studies immediately. Typically, you must be able to demonstrate that your academic deficiencies were the result of extenuating circumstances, like a bad breakup, extra work at your part-time job, or a family emergency. Here again, the Lento Law Firm's Education Law Team knows exactly what kinds of situations qualify for these appeals, and they know the most effective arguments to make.
Even better than a successful appeal of a Dismissal? Never reaching the point of Dismissal. Luckily, the Lento Law Firm knows a number of useful strategies for helping you recover from Probation or making sure you never wind up on Probation to start with. For instance,
- If you find yourself struggling in most of your classes, you could have a learning disability you don't know about. Such a disability may qualify you for special accommodations, like extra time to complete assignments. In fact, you can petition the school to drop low grades from your GPA and let you retake those courses.
- Like all colleges and universities, Chaffey College has a grade appeals process that lets you contest the grades your instructors assign. In addition, you should always protest any classroom mistreatment. Let your instructors' department heads know immediately any time an instructor is treating you unfairly.
- Your instructors can also lower your grade if they think you've cheated or committed plagiarism. Here again, though, you have a right to challenge their decisions to the school dean.
- Some instructors are open to the possibility of grade negotiation, especially if you have a compelling argument. For example, if your final exam score was especially high, you might try asking your instructor to use it as your course grade.
- You can always ask an instructor for make-up or extra credit work. An additional assignment or two might be all you need to raise your grade and your GPA.
Whatever your particular situation, you can count on the attorneys at the Lento Law Firm to work with you to come up with an effective plan. They'll also help you put that plan into action, whether that means drafting your appeal, helping you gather evidence, or coaching you in negotiation tactics.
What Can the Lento Law Firm Do for You?
Your Chaffey College 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. The Lento Law Firm's Education Law Team knows the law. We also know how Chaffey College's system works. And we've helped hundreds of other students protect their academic careers. 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.
