Doing well in college means going to class and studying. It means passing exams and writing papers. It means conducting research and learning how to give effective presentations.
But it also means figuring out what to do when you can't understand your professor's Pakistani accent, knowing who to talk to when you have to miss class because you wrecked your car, and learning where IT services are located.
In short, keeping your GPA up isn't just about how smart you are or even how hard you work. It's about knowing how to navigate the Palomar College system and how to use that system to your advantage.
The Lento Law Firm was founded to help students get the fair treatment they deserve and the best possible chance to earn their degrees. We're always on your side, and we're always ready to do what we can to help you succeed. We can't take your exams for you or write your papers—you'd be surprised how many times we get asked that. What we can do, though, is help you master the tips and tricks necessary for college success. We know who to call when you've got a problem, and we know what to say. We know when it's appropriate to complain to a professor and when you're better off going over their heads. At the first sign of trouble, then, don't wait to see what might happen. Contact the Lento Law Firm's Education Law Team at 888-535-3686 or use our automated online form.
Academic Progression at Palomar College
What does college success really mean? Well, it means being able to find a good job once you graduate. It means learning how to live independently. It means mastering the art of adulting. There's a more concrete way to define success as well, though: “Good” standing. Like all colleges and universities, Palomar College maintains an academic standing policy. Keep your cumulative grade point average above 2.0 and complete at least half the courses you attempt, and you'll find yourself in Good standing. What happens if your GPA drops below that magic number?
- Academic Probation I: This is given when your cumulative GPA drops below 2.0. You can remain on this status until you return to Good standing, provided your term GPA remains above 2.0.
- Progress Probation I: This is given when your course completion percentage falls below 50 percent. You can remain on this status until you return to Good standing as long as your term course completion percentage remains above 50 percent.
- Academic Probation II: Given when your term GPA falls below 2.0 while you are on Academic Probation I. You can remain on Academic Probation II as long as you earn a 2.0 GPA for your next term.
- Progress Probation II: Given when your term course completion percentage falls below 50 percent while you're on Progress Probation I. You can remain on Progress Probation II so long as you complete 50 percent of your courses the next semester.
- Dismissal: Finally, any time you're on Probation II and your term GPA has been below 2.0 for three consecutive semesters, or you've failed to complete at least 50 percent of your courses in three consecutive semesters, you are subject to dismissal from the college. You can petition for readmission after a semester away. However, your return is not guaranteed, and should you return, you will remain on Probation II.
Dealing With Academic Standing Decisions
In addition to filing a petition to return following dismissal, you can also ask for immediate reinstatement following dismissal if you can show that your academic deficiencies are the result of extenuating circumstances. A serious illness, for example, or a death in the family, can be grounds for additional time to improve. The Lento Law Firm's Education Law Team has experience with both types of appeals. We can help you gather and organize evidence and work with you to draft compelling documents.
You should keep in mind, though, that you're always better off avoiding dismissal if at all possible. In fact, even Probation I and II can have negative effects on your future since both are noted on your transcript. What can you do to avoid an academic sanction in the first place? The attorneys at the Lento Law Firm know several options to help protect your GPA. For instance,
- If you're being mistreated by an instructor, you should bring that to the immediate attention of the instructor's department chair. You may be entitled to a better grade or at least the opportunity to retake the course.
- If you should discover you have an undiagnosed learning disability, you can ask the college to set aside your low grades and let you retake those courses with appropriate accommodations in place.
- If your instructor has lowered your grade as the result of a cheating or plagiarism allegation, you have the right to challenge such allegations. Again, such challenges should be directed to the instructor's department chair.
- Some faculty are willing to negotiate grades. If, for example, you scored especially high on your final exam, you might ask your instructor to use that exam grade as your overall course grade.
- Faculty are also sometimes open to assigning makeup or extra credit assignments. Keep in mind that taking an Incomplete will affect your course completion percentage. However, this can be a quick way to boost your GPA.
Whatever your particular situation, the attorneys at the Lento Law Firm will work with you to develop a plan that's tailored to your specific needs. But we'll also stand beside you while you put that plan into action, whether you need us to talk with administrators, fill out paperwork on your behalf, or coach you on how to negotiate with faculty.
What Can the Lento Law Firm Do for You?
Your Palomar 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. Whether you need to know where to direct your appeals or you need to file a formal grade grievance, we'll work to get you back on track. 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.
