Success isn't automatic at CUNY City College. Yes, you got in, but it takes a lot of hard work and discipline to actually complete a degree. Going to class and studying are crucial, but there's another important component as well: learning to navigate the City College system. The fact is that it's easy to get lost, especially when you're new. Do you know, for instance, who to contact if you need to miss class to attend a funeral? Do you know how to get tested for a learning disability if you need to? Do you know what to do if you just can't seem to get along with your chemistry professor?
The attorneys at the Lento Law Firm can't go to class for you or write your papers, but we can help you deal with campus bureaucracy. Dealing with red tape is what lawyers do best, and our Education Law Team is exclusively focused on student issues. We know the CUNY City College system, including who to call when you have a problem and what to say. We've also been at this long enough to have picked up some useful strategies for keeping your academic progress on track.
If you're struggling to meet City College's academic standing policies don't wait to see how much further behind you might fall. Call us today 888-535-3686 to find out how we can help, or take a little time now and tell us about your situation.
Academic Progression at CUNY City College
High schools don't have academic standing policies because, ultimately, you always have a right to a K-12 education. That's not true of colleges. CUNY City College's policy sets firm standards you're required to meet in order to continue from one semester to the next. If you can't meet these standards, you can be placed on probation or even dismissed altogether.
- Good Standing: This is where you want to be. It means you're making steady progress towards your degree and ensures you can continue to register until you complete your degree. CCNY defines good standing as a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or better.
- Academic Probation: What happens if your GPA falls below that magic 2.0 number? The good news is that you're not automatically dismissed. Instead, you're placed on probation. As part of probation, the school might limit the number of hours you can take during the semester. Your more immediate concern, though, is to raise your GPA. As soon as you get it back above 2.0, you regain good standing. And you can remain on probation as long as you need to if you earn a minimum 2.5 term GPA each semester. The bad news is if you fail to do one or the other of these things, you face a much more serious situation.
- Academic Dismissal: If you cannot return to good standing while on probation and you cannot get your semester GPA above 2.5, CCNY then dismisses you. Dismissals last for a minimum of one semester. You can apply for readmission after that point, but you must be able to show a clear commitment to your studies. Typically, that means attending another school while you're away and earning good grades there. Otherwise, your dismissal could become permanent.
Dealing With Academic Standing Decisions
The Lento Law Firm attorneys are highly experienced with readmission petitions. We know exactly what CCNY expects in terms of evidence, and we're familiar with paperwork and procedures. If you've been dismissed, we'll work with you to put together a strong appeal, one that puts you in the very best possible light.
There are a number of ways to avoid dismissal in the first place, though. The Lento Law Firm attorney can walk you through these processes as well. For example,
- If your academic deficiencies are related to extenuating circumstances, such as a serious bout of depression or a family emergency, we can help you file an informal appeal with the dean's office. Such circumstances can be grounds for more time to improve.
- If you struggle consistently in your courses, you may have a learning disability. The Lento Law Firm attorney can help you get tested and make sure CCNY gives you appropriate accommodations to help you improve. We can also petition the school to drop low grades from your transcript. That will allow time to retake courses.
- If you've received a low grade as the result of an academic misconduct accusation—cheating or plagiarism, for instance—we can help you to appeal your instructors' decisions to the Student-Faculty Disciplinary Committee.
- If you think you deserve a higher grade in a course than the one you received, we can help you to file a formal grade appeal.
- We can also help you negotiate directly with instructors. Sometimes, a compelling argument is enough to raise a grade. If, for example, you did exceptionally well on your final exam, you could ask your professor to use that grade as your course grade.
- You can also ask instructors for makeup and extra credit work. This is an especially good strategy if your grade is already borderline.
- You deserve fair treatment in the classroom. Any time you feel an instructor is mistreating you, the Lento Law Firm attorney can help you gather evidence and make your case to your instructor's department head. You may be entitled to some form of grade adjustment.
Every situation is different, and you can count on the Lento Law Firm attorney to start by going over yours and coming up with a plan that's tailored to your success. Then, we'll work with you to put that plan into action. We're on your side, and we won't rest until you're back on track academically.
What Can the Lento Law Firm Do For You?
Your City College 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. College processes and procedures can be complex and difficult to navigate, and often, you will find the system is stacked against you. You need the very best help you can get, someone who is in your corner and ready to fight on your behalf.
The Lento Law Firm's Education Law Team has helped hundreds of students, just like you, respond to academic issues and make it to graduation. What can we do for you? To find out, call us today at 888-535-3686 or use our online form.
