It’s not easy making the grade at Rochester Institute of Technology. Courses are tough. Professors are demanding. Getting to class and studying are only half the battle, though. You also have to know how to navigate the RIT system. You need to know who to call if you need to miss class to attend a funeral; you need to know what to do if you just can’t seem to get along with an instructor; you need to know where to go if you think you might have a learning disability.
When it comes to navigating the complexities of education, the LLF National Law Firm’s Educational Law Team is your ally. Committed to protecting student rights and simplifying the degree-earning process, our attorneys are well-versed in both the law and RIT’s operations. They are ready to support your academic progression.
You’ll find useful information about keeping your GPA up below. To find out even more, call 888-535-3686, or take a little time now and tell us about your situation.
Academic Progression at Rochester Institute of Technology
While your admission to RIT is a testament to your intelligence and hard work, each new academic challenge may initially pose a struggle. One significant difference between high school and college is the strict academic standing policy. If your GPA falls below a certain level, you may face sanctions, and in extreme cases, even dismissal. This underscores the importance of maintaining a good academic standing.
What does RIT’s policy have to say?
- Good Standing: There are honors to be had at RIT. A term GPA above 3.4, for instance, will get you onto the Dean’s List. At a minimum, though, you want to remain in “good” standing as often as you can. Good standing means you’re making steady progress towards your degree. RIT defines good standing as a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0.
- Academic Probation: Any time your cumulative GPA falls below 2.0, RIT places you on academic probation. Your particular program may assign you specific conditions to fulfill while on probation, but your primary responsibility is to return to good standing. Note, though, that you have just two semesters of probation as an undergraduate before RIT takes more serious action.
- Academic Suspension: If at the end of a second semester on probation, you have still not regained good standing, RIT then suspends you for a minimum of one term. You can apply for readmission to RIT, but your program may make your return contingent on the fulfillment of specific requirements. In addition, if you cannot return to good standing after two semesters back, you face an additional suspension.
Dealing With Academic Standing Decisions
Rochester Institute of Technology offers an appeals process for students facing suspension. If you can demonstrate that your academic deficiencies are the result of extenuating circumstances, you may be able to gain a semester of deferred suspension. If you’re dealing with such a situation, the Education Law Team attorneys can help you draft your appeal. They know exactly what kind of evidence appeals committees expect and can make sure your documents put you in the very best possible light.
Failing that, the LLF National Law Firm can help you put together a readmission package.
The better option, though, is always to keep your GPA from reaching the point of probation or suspension. We know that’s often easier said than done. The Education Law Team attorneys have been protecting students for a number of years, though, and along the way, they’ve learned all the strategies for avoiding sanctions.
- You have the right to fair treatment in the classroom. If you feel an instructor has a bias against you or they have mistreated you in some way, you should report this immediately to the head of your program. It could be you deserve a better grade than the one you’re receiving.
- In fact, you don’t have to prove an instructor is mistreating you. You can file a grade appeal any time you feel that the scores you’re receiving don’t match up with the true quality of your work.
- Low grades can be a sign of a learning disability, such as ADD or ADHD. You might consider getting tested if you consistently struggle to pass your courses. If it turns out you do have a disability, you can petition RIT to drop low grades from your GPA. This will keep you from facing probation or suspension while you retake the courses for replacement credit.
- You may have a grade or two that’s low because of academic misconduct allegations—cheating and plagiarism. If you’re innocent of the charges, you have the right to appeal to the Academic Integrity Committee. Even if you did make a mistake, you may not deserve the sanction you received. They can help you appeal that as well.
- If your grade is borderline, you might consider asking an instructor for makeup or extra credit work. Some offer such opportunities; others don’t. You’re certainly no worse off for asking, though.
- There are other grounds for negotiating a grade as well. For example, even if your course scores don’t add up to a passing grade if you’ve shown improvement during a semester, you might ask an instructor to pass you on the basis of that improvement.
The team attorney can help you identify which of these and other options might work best in your particular situation. Then, they’ll work with you to implement a plan of action, whether that involves drafting a formal appeal or coaching you in the fine art of negotiating with faculty. We’re on your side, no matter what.
What Can the LLF National Law Firm Do For You?
Your Rochester Institute of Technology 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 LLF National Law Firm’s Education Law Team has helped hundreds of students, just like you, respond to academic issues and make it to graduation. To find out what can we do for you, call us today at 888-535-3686 or complete our online form.