You've probably been told that college success is a matter of going to class every day and studying hard. It isn't. OK, it is, but it's not just that. Keeping your GPA up can be just as much about learning to navigate the CUNY Lehman system as it is about learning the Periodic Table. And, as it turns out, it can be just as hard.
You came to school, of course, to study. That's your job. If you're getting bogged down with a lot of administrative requirements and red tape, if confusing rules and regulations are what's bringing your hurting your GPA, well, that's our job.
The Lento Law Firm's Education Law Team was founded to help students succeed. How is an attorney supposed to help you with academics? Glad you asked. It turns out that lawyers know a thing or two about bureaucracy. It's practically an entire year at law school. The Lento Law Firm lawyers work primarily in the field of educational bureaucracy. That means we not only know the law and how to use it to protect you, but we also know how CUNY, Lehman works and how to use the system to your advantage.
What can we do to help you? Call 888-535-3686 to find out, or take a little time now and tell us about your situation.
Academic Progression at CUNY, Lehman
There's not a lot of margin for error when it comes to meeting CUNY and Lehman academic standards, so it's important you understand the school's academic standing policy right from the start.
- Good Standing: Your primary goal is to make steady progress toward your degree. As long as you're doing that, you are considered to be in good standing. In more concrete terms, good standing is defined as a cumulative grade point average above 2.0 (Lehman knows it can be tough adjusting to college, so if you're in your first semester, that number is 1.5, and if you're in your second semester, it is 1.75).
- Academic Probation: What happens if your GPA slips below the good standing threshold? CUNY, Lehman then places you on academic probation. The only real penalty at this point is that you are limited to no more than 18 hours. However, you only have until the end of the spring semester to raise your GPA. After that point, if it remains below 2.0, you face dismissal.
- Academic Dismissal: Dismissal means complete separation from the university. It happens if you reach the end of the spring semester without having raised your probation status back to good standing.
You can return to CUNY, Lehman, after a dismissal, but you must apply to the Office of Academic Standards and Evaluation, and your return is not guaranteed. You must demonstrate that you understand what led to your original deficiencies, and you must demonstrate that you've corrected past problems and have a plan in place for success. Should you be accepted, you return on probation, and further struggles mean permanent dismissal.
Dealing With Academic Standing Decisions
The attorneys at the Lento Law Firm are highly experienced at filing readmission appeals. We know the Lehman deadlines and what's involved in filing the paperwork. More importantly, we know what committees expect in these appeals, how to create compelling arguments for your return, and how to make you look your very best on paper.
If you haven't yet reached the point of dismissal, though, we may be able to keep you from reaching that point in the first place. Again, studying is important, but we know a number of additional ways to use the system to keep your GPA up as well.
- First, CUNY, Lehman allows you to take summer classes even if you've been dismissed after the spring semester. If you can raise your GPA back up to good standing by the end of the summer, you can enroll in fall courses as normal.
- CUNY Lehman also offers an appeals process for students who have been academically dismissed. Extenuating circumstances, such as a serious bout of depression or a family emergency, can be grounds for an additional term on probation.
- If you struggle in all or most of your classes, you might consider getting tested for a learning disability. Disabilities can mean course accommodations. You may also be entitled to retake some courses to earn replacement credit.
- If you have any low grades because of allegations of academic misconduct, the Lento Law Firm attorney can help you defend yourself against charges. Even just negotiating a grade that's one level higher can make a difference to your GPA.
- You can try other types of grade negotiation as well. For instance, if you've shown progress during the semester, you can try asking for a passing grade even if you didn't actually earn one.
- You are also always free to ask instructors for extra credit or makeup assignments. Some faculty are open to these requests, and some aren't. You're never any worse off for having asked, though.
- You are entitled to fair treatment in the classroom. If you feel an instructor is mistreating you, report that immediately to your instructor's department head. At a minimum, they can help you file a grade grievance at the end of the semester.
The Lento Law Firm is on your side, no matter what. We're not just here to represent you in misconduct cases or offer some vague advice. If you're struggling to keep your GPA up, we'll sit down with you and go over the situation. We'll offer suggestions based on your individual situation, and we'll work with you to implement those suggestions.
What Can the Lento Law Firm Do For You?
Your CUNY Lehman 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.
