There's no one-size-fits-all approach to handling a low GPA at CUNY John Jay College (JJ). If you're struggling to pass courses, you probably want to try studying a little harder. You want to make sure you're in class every day. You can visit your instructors during office hours, join a study group, and maybe work on your papers before the due date.
There's another side to keeping your grades up, though: learning to navigate the system. A lot of students don't realize just how important it is always to know who to contact, what to say, and how to say it. It matters, though. There is a right way and a wrong way to deal with a sudden death in the family. There's a right way and a wrong way to deal with a learning disability. Did you know that there are solutions to a professor who just doesn't seem to like you?
The Lento Law Firm's Education Law Team wants to help you make it to graduation. No, we won't write your papers for you or give you a wake-up call at 7 AM to remind you to get to class. We're lawyers, not your mother. No one navigates bureaucratic systems better than attorneys, though, and no one navigates academic bureaucratic systems like the attorneys at the Lento Law Firm.
If you're struggling to meet UNO's academic progress standards, it could be you just need help dealing with all the red tape. We can help. To find out how, call the Lento Law Firm at 888-535-3686, or take a little time now and tell us about your situation.
Academic Progression at CUNY John Jay College
We should probably start by explaining what academic progress at JJ actually means. Yes, you want to pass all of your classes. Yes, of course, you need to keep your GPA as high as possible. What does "progress" mean in concrete terms, though?
Here's what the academic standing policy at JJ has to say:
- Good Standing: This is where you want to be. It means you're making steady progress towards your degree. JJ defines good standing as a 2.0 unless you're a freshman. Freshmen have a bit of a grace period. During your first semester, good standing is anything above 1.5. During your second semester, it's anything above 1.75.
- Academic Probation: If you fall out of good standing, JJ places you on academic probation. This is a warning status. Should you continue to struggle, you can face more serious penalties.
- Academic Dismissal: When you're on probation, the Academic Review Committee meets at the end of every term to discuss how you're doing. If the committee believes you're still struggling, it can decide to dismiss you entirely from JJ. There are no clear standards for making this decision, but generally speaking, if you earn less than a 2.0 during a term, you're probably a candidate for dismissal
The good news is that dismissal isn't necessarily as permanent as it sounds. You can submit an application for readmission. However, you must wait at least a year before you can do this. In the meantime, it's easy to fall out of the academic habit. Students who have been dismissed inevitably struggle if they are allowed to return. It could also be the case that JJ denies your readmission petition, in which case you are permanently dismissed from the college.
Dealing With Academic Standing Decisions
The Lento Law Firm can help you deal with a suspension if that's the situation you find yourself in. We know what the readmission committee looks for in these applications. We can make sure you do everything you need to during your year off to bolster your resume. We can help you fill out and file paperwork. We'll make sure you put your best foot forward.
You don't have to wait until you're suspended to contact us, though. We've been doing this for a long time, and we know lots of tips and tricks for helping you avoid suspension in the first place. For instance:
- If you've been ill during the semester or you've struggled with a bout of depression, you can appeal directly to the college dean. Extenuating circumstances can be grounds for more time to improve.
- One failed class – it can happen to anyone. A string of failed classes, though, could be a sign of a more serious problem, such as a learning disability. There are resources on campus, though. Disability Services can get you tested and can work out classroom accommodations if you need them. You can also petition the college to drop low grades from your transcript. Then, you can retake those courses once you're playing on a level playing field.
- It's unfortunate, but you will come across some instructors who just don't treat their students fairly. When you do, it's important you let that instructor's department head know. This will start a paper trail so you can file a grade appeal or an official grievance.
- If an instructor should accuse you of cheating or plagiarism, you can appeal their decisions to the Grade Appeal Committee.
- It is sometimes worth negotiating with an instructor if you have a good argument for why your grade should be higher. You might, for example, feel like your high final exam grade is evidence that you learned more in the semester than your grade reflects.
- It never hurts to ask instructors for extra credit or makeup work. Some will say yes, and some will say no. A yes means a higher grade in the course, though, and that's always going to help keep you from dismissal.
We can't give a blanket solution here to solve your GPA. Every student's situation is different. We promise, though, to sit down with you and review what's happening. We'll help you map out a plan, and we'll stick beside you while you put it into effect. We can tell you which offices to contact when you have a problem, we can coach you in the art of negotiation, or we can file official paperwork on your behalf if that's what's called for.
What Can the Lento Law Firm Do For You?
Your CUNY John Jay 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. University 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.
