You came to college to get an education, so you shouldn't be surprised to find that Rensselaer Polytechnic holds you to high academic standards. Not only does the school expect you to keep your grades up, but it imposes very real consequences if you fail to do so. A D here, an F there, and you could wind up on academic probation or worse. Of course, you're smart and capable. Otherwise, you wouldn't be here in the first place, right?
The thing is, though, even smart and capable students occasionally stumble. It's a simple fact of life: all of us run into trouble sooner or later. Maybe your trouble comes in the form of a class at the break of dawn that you just can't avoid taking. Maybe it shows up in the form of a family crisis that keeps you from performing at your best. The bottom line is how well you do academically just isn't always in your control.
National Student Defense attorney-advisor Joseph D. Lento wants to make sure you succeed at Rennselaer despite any obstacles you may face. He and his Education Law Team know the rules and procedures you'll face over the next four years. They also know how to use those rules and procedures to your advantage. In the end, they'll make sure that you're treated fairly, that you get all the rights you deserve, and that your future remains bright no matter what kind of trouble might find you.
Academic Progression at Rensselaer
RPI reviews your academic progress at the end of both the fall and spring terms. Your first goal is to earn a minimum 1.5-grade point average each term. Fail to do this, and you'll find yourself on probation. You can also be placed on probation for failing to keep your cumulative GPA high enough. RPI uses a sliding scale for cumulative GPA that's based on your class standing.
- Freshmen need a 1.5 at the end of the fall term and a 1.8 at the end of the spring term.
- Sophomores need a 1.8 at the end of the fall term and a 2.0 at the end of the spring term.
- Juniors and seniors need to earn at least a 2.0 in all their semesters.
Probation is meant to serve as a warning that you need to pay more attention to your coursework. It's more than that, though. If you can't bring your grades up while you're on probation, you are then subject to suspension or dismissal. In fact, you can be dismissed for more than two semesters of probation at Rensselaer, even if they aren't consecutive. You can also be dismissed for failing three or more classes in any given term.
RPI does allow you to apply for readmission if you have been dismissed for academic reasons, though you cannot apply until you have been away from the Institute for at least one full academic year. Applications should be directed to the Office of Student Success and include transcripts and course descriptions for any academic work you've done elsewhere. Not every application receives readmission. You must prove that you deserve a second chance at success. And, should you continue to struggle upon being readmitted, you are subject to permanent dismissal from RPI.
Dealing With Academic Standing Decisions
Unfortunately, Rensselaer doesn't offer any formal process for challenging probation, suspension, and dismissal decisions. Normally, these are a matter of GPA and not subject to debate. However, decisions aren't made by computer but rather by the school's Committee on Academic Standing. That suggests there is room for appeal, especially if you have extenuating circumstances that may have caused your academic deficiencies. These might include issues like a family emergency or a long-term illness.
In addition, there are a number of informal ways to forestall an academic sanction. Most of these involve addressing any low grades directly.
- Any time you feel you may have been mistreated by an instructor, you have the right to approach that instructor's department head or the Office of Student Success. You may very well be entitled to some form of grade relief, and one raised grade can often be enough to prevent probation or dismissal.
- Additionally, you always have the right to ask a professor to recalculate your final grade. Faculty can and do make mistakes, especially when it comes to filling out spreadsheets. It's a good idea to keep up with your scores yourself so you can compare your calculations with theirs and suggest a review if necessary.
- You can also try negotiating with instructors for higher grades. Every instructor is different, but some are open to an argument that you improved over the course of the semester or that your final exam grade shows you really mastered the material by the end.
- A few instructors are even willing to assign extra credit or makeup work to students whose grades are borderline, but often you must ask in order to receive such assignments.
Joseph D. Lento knows all the many options open to you at Rensselaer Polytechnic. He can help you decide which ones will work best in your case, and he can help you to put a plan into action. He's practiced in the art of negotiation and coaches you on how to talk to a professor. He's worked on formal grade appeals and can help you put together a strong presentation. Finally, if the worst should happen and you should wind up dismissed from RPI, he's also experienced at gathering evidence and drafting petitions for readmission. He knows what arguments work and how to make sure you make the very best possible impression on review committees.
Premier Education Attorney-Advisor, Joseph D. Lento
You might be surprised to learn that an attorney can help them with an academic problem. Often, though, college success is as much about navigating bureaucracy as it is about taking exams and writing papers. It always helps to know who to talk to and what to say.
No one knows more about dealing with bureaucracy than attorneys, and no one knows more about dealing with educational bureaucracy than Joseph D. Lento. He built his practice handling student conduct and academic progress issues, he knows how the various systems at RPI operate, and he's comfortable talking with faculty and administrators.
More important than anything else, though, Joseph D. Lento is on your side. He understands that no one is perfect, and he doesn't think that a few mistakes should keep you from earning your degree and going on to a successful career.
You've worked hard to get to this point. Don't let that hard work go to waste. To find out more about how you can fight dismissal, contact the Lento Law Firm today at 888-555-3686, or use our automated online form.
