You knew coming into it that college would be tough, but maybe you didn't realize it would be this tough. Sure, you were expecting rigorous coursework and demanding professors: this is college, after all. But you didn't account for all the adulting you'd have to do while you're taking classes: getting yourself up in the morning—all on your own; resisting the temptation to play Fortnite instead of studying—all on your own; learning to separate your colors from your whites.
A low GPA can happen to anyone. The question is, what are you going to do about it? We can help. How is a law firm supposed to help you with your GPA? That will become clearer as you go. For now, though, know that the Lento Law Firm is always on your side. Our Education Law Team knows all the tips and tricks for helping you navigate Fullerton College's bureaucracy, and we're ready to put what we know to work to get you to graduation.
So the very minute your grades dip a little—or even just if you think they might possibly, maybe, perhaps dip this semester—don't wait. Call 888-535-3686 to find out how the Lento Law Firm can help, or use our automated online form.
Academic Progression at Fullerton College
The key to college success is actually pretty simple—well, it sounds simple, anyway. The goal is to remain in Good standing according to your school's academic standing policy. Fullerton defines Good standing as maintaining a cumulative grade point average above 2.0. Again, doing this isn't always as easy as it sounds. What happens, for instance, when you come across an instructor who just doesn't seem to like you, or you're in a car wreck and have to miss a few classes to recover?
Here's what else Fullerton College's policy has to say.
- Probation: When your GPA falls below the 2.0 mark, FC places you on Probation. You can also be given a “Progress Probation” if you drop more than half your classes in a semester. There are no special requirements while on Probation other than to return to Good standing. And you have two total semesters to do that.
- Academic Dismissal: If after two consecutive semesters on Probation, your GPA remains below 2.0 or you fail to complete half the hours you enroll in, you then face Dismissal from the college. Dismissal is meant to be permanent separation from the school. You can apply for readmission by filing a petition with the Admissions and Records Office. As part of this petition, you must be able to explain what led to your dismissal and how you plan to improve your academic performance. In addition, the admissions committee looks for concrete evidence of improvement, such as exemplary coursework at other institutions, a written educational plan, or evidence you've completed a counseling course. Most importantly, if your petition is denied, your Dismissal becomes permanent.
Dealing With Academic Standing Decisions
No matter what your particular academic situation, the Lento Law Firm's Education Law Team can help, even if you've already been dismissed. We are experienced in helping students file readmission petitions. We know what committees look for in these petitions, as well as how to collect, organize, and document evidence of improvement. We can even help you draft documents.
The fact is, though, that you're always better off avoiding dismissal in the first place. The Lento Law Firm can help you do this as well if you contact us early enough. There is no formal process at Fullerton College for appealing Probation or Dismissal, but we know a number of informal strategies for keeping your grades above the danger mark and challenging academic sanctions. For example,
- A low GPA can sometimes be the result of circumstances beyond your control. Maybe you suffered a long-term illness during the semester or had to deal with a death in the family. You can always petition the college dean for more time to improve before they impose a sanction.
- Low grades can also be the result of academic misconduct allegations. If your instructor believes you've cheated or committed plagiarism, they have the power to lower assignment grades and course grades. They can even fail you outright. You have the right to challenge their decisions, though. Even if you are guilty of the offense, you can argue that the penalty is too harsh.
- If you consistently struggle in your courses, you could have an undiagnosed learning disability like ADD or ADHD. Disability Services can help you find out. If you do, you can ask the college to set aside your low grades and let you retake those courses without penalty.
- Even if you don't have a disability, Fullerton replaces grades when you retake a course. You can raise your GPA quickly just by earning higher grades in courses you failed.
- Mistreatment in the classroom can be grounds for a grade appeal. Any time you feel like an instructor is treating you unfairly, you should report them to their department head.
- Faculty will sometimes consider assigning makeup or extra credit work, especially to students with borderline grades. It never hurts to ask. A paper rewrite or an extra lab assignment could be all you need to keep your GPA from dipping below the 2.0 mark.
- Some instructors will negotiate grades on other grounds. If, for instance, you showed considerable improvement over the course of a semester, you might ask your instructor to pass you, even if your scores add up to a failure.
The attorneys at the Lento Law Firm have been at this for a long time. We know the system, and we know how to help you navigate it successfully. It's always important you act quickly, though. The longer you wait once you've been given a sanction, the more difficult it may be to challenge that sanction, and the very best solution to an academic problem is to deal with it proactively.
What Can the Lento Law Firm Do For You?
Your Fullerton College diploma is 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. The Lento Law Firm's Education Law Team knows the law. We also know Fullerton College. Before you reach the point of Dismissal or even Probation, call us today at 888-535-3686 or use our automated online form to find out how we can help.
