Academic Advising, Standards & Evaluations

Appeals FAQs

I'm not happy with the grade I got for my course. What can I do?

If you received a grade of A, B, C, D, F, NC (no credit), or FIN (INC turned into F) and believe that you should have received a different grade, your first step is to contact the instructor who gave you the grade. The possibility always exists that the grade is the result of an error--for example, a clerical error on the part of the instructor, a misplacement of work you handed in, or a misunderstanding about the number of assignments you owed--and a simple discussion with your instructor may be enough to correct the situation.

On the other hand--if after a discussion with your instructor you still believe that you have been evaluated unfairly, you have the right to file a written appeal with the Chair of the department that houses your course. (If the Chair was your instructor, consult the department secretary for the name of another member of the department appeals committee.) Be sure to submit all relevant documents that support your case (for example, copies of your work with the instructor's comments and grades; a syllabus that outlines the requirements for the course).

Your appeal must be submitted within the first eight weeks of the following semester.

The decision of the department appeals committee is final.

I couldn't finish my course(s) last semester. Can I withdraw officially?

If you were forced to stop attending classes due to unforeseen circumstances and can provide documentary proof of the reason behind your unofficial withdrawal, consult an Academic Advisor about an appeal for a late or retroactive withdrawal.

If you do not file an appeal for retroactive withdrawal or if your appeal is denied, you may remove the WU grade(s) from the calculation of your G.P.A. by retaking the course(s) and earning at least a C-. Under the CUNY F Policy, you can do this for up to sixteen credits worth of penalty grades (F, FIN, WU).

Can I be dismissed from Lehman College because of my grades?

As long as your cumulative G.P.A. remains above your minimum retention index, you remain a student in good academic standing and will not be dismissed from Lehman College. These are the following minimum retention indices (that is, the lowest grades you can earn and still remain a student at Lehman College):

Total Credits Attempted Minimum Lehman College Cumulative Indices
0-12 (or first four courses) 1.5
13-24 (or first eight courses) 1.75
25 or more 2.0

If you:

  1. let your G.P.A. fall below your minimum retention index for more than one semester, and
  2. have a G.P.A. below your minimum retention index at the end of the spring semester,

you will be dismissed and will not be allowed to return for the following fall semester unless you either:

  1. bring your G.P.A. to your minimum retention index or above with classes taken that summer at Lehman College or
  2. file a successful appeal for readmission.

Whether or not it is in your best interest to file an immediate appeal for readmission depends on the reason(s) behind your poor academic performance (for example, poor health; a financial need that keeps you working so many hours that you cannot devote enough time and energy to your studies; an unresolved personal or family situation). If you have not taken care of the problem(s) effectively enough to allow you to do well in your future coursework, it may make more sense to work on the other problem(s) first and then take care of your G.P.A. problems.

When you feel that you are ready to return to Lehman College, you can file an appeal for readmission with Academic Advisement. (An appeal form is included with the letter informing you of the College's decision to dismiss you.) If you have any documents that can help you to prove your readiness to return, include them with your appeal. If you would like some help in putting together your appeal, consult an Academic Advisor in Shuster 280.

If your appeal is successful, you may be readmitted on either part-time or full-time probation; the Appeals Committee will set a maximum number of credits you will be allowed to take. Students on part-time probation are allowed to take fewer than twelve credits; the maximum number allowed is decided by the Appeals Committee on a case-by-case basis. Students on full-time probation are allowed to take twelve to eighteen credits; the maximum number allowed is decided by the Appeals Committee on a case-by-case basis. This probation lasts until the end of the academic year--that is, until the end of the spring semester, although you are automatically allowed to continue taking courses during the following summer sessions.

If you are successful at raising your G.P.A. to your minimum retention index before the end of your probation period, your probation can be lifted. If you believe your G.P.A. meets that standard, consult an Academic Advisor in Shuster 280 about changing your probation status.

If your G.P.A. remains below your minimim retention index at the end of your probation period, you will be dismissed again, even if you have done well in your classes during your probation period. If you want to return to classes, you will have to file an appeal for readmission at the end of each spring period until your G.P.A. rises to or above your minimum retention index.

When I left school, I wasn't passing my courses, but now I want to come back and do well.

Congratulations on your determination to improve your academic performance. The Lehman College Appeals Committee is eager to welcome you back to the campus if:

  • you have identified the reason(s) behind your poor academic performance (for example, poor health; a financial need that keeps you working so many hours that you cannot devote enough time and energy to your studies; an unresolved personal or family situation),
  • you have taken care of the problem(s) so that it/they do not keep you from succeeding in the future, and
  • it is possible to improve your record to good academic standing in a reasonable time.

Your appeal for readmission should be filed in the Academic Advisement Office in Shuster 280. If you have any documents that can help you to prove your readiness to return, include them with your appeal. If you would like some help in putting together your appeal, consult an Academic Advisor.

If your appeal is successful, you may be readmitted on either part-time or full-time probation; the Appeals Committee will set a maximum number of credits you will be allowed to take. Students on part-time probation are allowed to take fewer than twelve credits; the maximum number allowed is decided by the Appeals Committee on a case-by-case basis. Students on full-time probation are allowed to take twelve to eighteen credits; the maximum number allowed is decided by the Appeals Committee on a case-by-case basis. This probation lasts until the end of the academic year--that is, until the end of the spring semester, although you are automatically allowed to continue taking courses during the following summer sessions.

Total Credits Attempted Minimum Lehman College Cumulative Indices
0-12 (or first four courses) 1.5
13-24 (or first eight courses) 1.75
25 or more 2.0

If you are successful at raising your G.P.A. to your minimum retention index before the end of your probation period, your probation can be lifted. If you believe your G.P.A. meets that standard, consult an Academic Advisor in Shuster 280 about lifting your probation stop.

If your G.P.A. remains below your minimum retention index at the end of your probation period, you will be dismissed again, even if you have done well in your classes during your probation period. If you want to return to classes, you will have to file an appeal at the end of each spring period until your G.P.A. rises to or above 2.0.

I didn't do well at my other school, but now I want to start over at Lehman College.

Congratulations on your determination to improve your academic performance. The Lehman College Appeals Committee is eager to welcome you to our campus if:

  • you have identified the reason(s) behind your poor academic performance (for example, poor health; a financial need that keeps you working so many hours that you cannot devote enough time and energy to your studies; an unresolved personal or family situation),
  • you have taken care of it/them so that it/they do not keep you from succeeding in the future.

Begin the process by filing an application with the University Application Processing Center and then contacting our Admissions Office in Shuster 161. If the Admissions Office recommends that you file an appeal, contact our Academic Advisement Office in Shuster 280. If you have any documents that can help you to prove your readiness to return, include them with your appeal. If you would like some help in putting together your appeal, consult an Academic Advisor.

What is probation?

Probation is the consequence of poor scholarship--that is, letting one's G.P.A. fall below the minimum retention index. When a student's G.P.A. falls below the minimum retention index, he or she is automatically put on a probation warning and is not allowed to take more than four classes per semester.

Students who have been dismissed from Lehman College may be readmitted after a successful appeal for readmission on either part-time or full-time probation. Students on part-time probation are allowed to take fewer than twelve credits; the maximum number allowed is decided by the Appeals Committee on a case-by-case basis. Students on full-time probation are allowed to take twelve to eighteen credits; the maximum number allowed is decided by the Appeals Committee on a case-by-case basis.

Can I withdraw from my course(s) this semester?

If you want to withdraw from a class before the deadline for withdrawal without academic penalty, no appeal is needed. Simply fill out the proper form in the Registrar's Office, Shuster Hall, Room 114. The deadline is printed in the Academic Calendar.

If you must withdraw after the deadline and you believe there is a good reason why you should not receive a WU (Unofficial Withdrawal) grade, you can file an appeal in the Academic Advising Office in Shuster Hall, Room 280. All appeals must include documents that prove the extenuating circumstances behind your late withdrawal and a written statement from your instructor(s) that you are maintaining a passing average in the course. Doing poorly in a class, even if you are doing so poorly that you anticipate flunking the class, is not an acceptable reason for late withdrawal.

All appeals for withdrawal without penalty which are submitted after the deadline for withdrawal may be heard after the end of the semester.

I didn't finish registering, and I want to add a course.

If you believe that you are registered for a course and faithfully attend that course and fulfill all course requirements and then discover that you are not registered for the course, you can file an appeal for retroactive registration in the Academic Advisement Office. You will need a letter from your instructor verifying your attendance and fulfillment of the course requirements. If the appeal is filed after the semester is completed, the letter from your instructor should also include the grade you earned in the course.

If your appeal is successful, you will be liable for any increase in your tuition and fees resulting from the additional course.

I didn't finish registering, and I lost all my courses.

If you believe that you are registered for a set of courses and faithfully attend those courses and fulfill all course requirements and then discover that you are not registered for any of them, you can file an appeal for retroactive registration in the Academic Advisement Office. You will need letters from your instructors verifying your attendance and fulfillment of the course requirements. If the appeal is filed after the semester is completed, the letters from your instructors should also include the grades you earned in their courses.

If your appeal is successful, you will be liable for your tuition and fees for the semester.

Next time, be sure to complete the enrollment process before cancellation deadline; check the relevant Academic Calendar for the current deadline.

My Bursar's receipt has a course I didn't want to register for.

If your Bursar's receipt has an error and the registration or late registration period is still open, go to the Registrar's Office in Shuster 114 and get a corrected receipt. If the late registration period has closed, you will need to file an appeal for retroactive withdrawal from the class you are not attending. In order to file this appeal successfully, you will need a letter from the instructor which verifies that you never attended the course.

If you are attending another course instead of the course listed on your Bursar's receipt, you will also need to file an appeal for retroactive registration. In order to file this appeal successfully. you will need a letter from your instructor which verifies your attendance and the grade you have earned (if any) at the point you are filing the appeal.

Once you have your documentation, you can file your appeal in the Academic Advisement Office in Shuster 280.

Download appeal form [PDF]

My Bursar's receipt doesn't show the course I'm taking.

If your Bursar's receipt has an error and the registration or late registration period is still open, go to the Registrar's Office in Shuster 114 and get a corrected receipt. If the late registration period has closed, you will need to file an appeal for retroactive registration. In order to file this appeal successfully. you will need a letter from your instructor which verifies your attendance and the grade you have earned (if any) at the point you are filing the appeal.

If your Bursar's receipt shows a course you did not intend to register for, you will need to file an appeal for retroactive withdrawal from that course. In order to file this appeal successfully, you will need a letter from the instructor which verifies that you never attended the course.

Once you have your documentation, you can file your appeal in the Academic Advisement Office in Shuster 280.

I am registered for one section of a course but am attending another. How can I get my grade?

You may someday find yourself asking your instructor(s) for permission to switch from one section of a course to another. Students do this for various reasons--the other section may fit better into their schedule, they feel more comfortable with another instructor's teaching style, or they prefer to take the class with a friend or study buddy.

No matter what the reason is behind your decision to switch, and even if the instructors of both sections of the class are willing to accommodate your request, you still have a legal obligation to fulfill the requirements of the courses you registered for as they are shown on your Bursar's receipt. If your Bursar's receipt does not show the classes and sections of classes that you wish to take and the registration or late registration period is still open, go to the Registrar's Office in Shuster 114 and then get a corrected receipt.

If the registration period is closed, you will need to file an appeal for late registration for the class section you are attending and late withdrawal from the class section you are not attending. You will need two letters to support the appeal:

  • a letter from the instructor whose class you are not attending, verifying that you have never attended the class, and
  • a letter from the instructor whose class you are attending, verifying your attendance. (If the semester is completed, the letter should also include the grade you have earned for the course.)

When you have both letters, you can file your appeal in the Academic Advisement Office.

If your appeal is granted, you will have to check with the Bursar's Office in Shuster 031 regarding any tuition or fees that you may owe as a result of the appeal.

Download appeal form [PDF]

I want to take the F out of my G.P.A. for a course I failed but I don't want to/can't retake the course. Is there some other way I get rid of my F?

In most instances, the answer to your question is no. However, limited exceptions do exist. Consult an Academic Advisor for more information

I want one of my graduation requirements waived or changed.

Under normal circumstances, students must fulfill all their graduation requirements. However, there are rare occasions when students can make a good case for substituting one course or set of courses for another course or set of courses.

If the requirement you are seeking to meet in an alternative fashion falls within your major or minor, consult your Faculty Advisor. If the requirement falls under the general education requirements (English Composition, Mathematics, Foreign Language, Natural Science, Distribution, LEH, or Writing-Intensive courses), consult an Academic Advisor.

I want to get my TAP back.

If you believe you have a justifiable reason for not meeting New York State's G.P.A. and progress (number of credits earned over time) requirements for the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP), you can file for a one-time waiver of the requirement in the Academic Advisement Office with the appeal form that comes with your notification of TAP ineligibility.

TAP waivers are granted only under extraordinary circumstances and for extremely serious reasons.

For further information, consult a Financial Aid Counselor.

I was dismissed because I'm not passing my courses, but I want to keep taking classes.

Congratulations on your determination to improve your academic performance. The Lehman College Appeals Committee is eager to welcome you back to the campus if:

  • you have identified the reason(s) behind your poor academic performance (for example, poor health; a financial need that keeps you working so many hours that you cannot devote enough time and energy to your studies; an unresolved personal or family situation),
  • you have taken care of them so that they do not keep you from succeeding in the future, and
  • it is possible to improve your record to good academic standing in a reasonable time.

Your appeal for readmission should be filed in the Academic Advisement Office in Shuster 280. If you have any documents that can help you to prove your readiness to return, include them with your appeal. If you would like some help in putting together your appeal, consult an Academic Advisor.

If your appeal is successful, you may be readmitted on either part-time or full-time probation; the Appeals Committee will set a maximum number of credits you will be allowed to take. Students on part-time probation are allowed to take fewer than twelve credits; the maximum number allowed is decided by the Appeals Committee on a case-by-case basis. Students on full-time probation are allowed to take twelve to eighteen credits; the maximum number allowed is decided by the Appeals Committee on a case-by-case basis. This probation lasts until the end of the academic year--that is, until the end of the spring semester, although you are automatically allowed to continue taking courses during the following summer sessions.

If you are successful at raising your G.P.A. to your minimum retention index before the end of your probation period, your probation can be lifted. If you believe your G.P.A. meets that standard, consult an Academic Advisor in Shuster 280 about lifting your probation stop.

If your G.P.A. remains below your minimum retention index at the end of your probation period, you will be dismissed again, even if you have done well in your classes during your probation period. If you want to return to classes, you will have to file an appeal at the end of each spring period until your G.P.A. rises to or above 2.0.

 

I missed the first few weeks of the semester and got a WN grade, but my instructor is willing to let me back into the course. How can I get the WN grade removed from my record?

Before the end of the semester, your instructor must fill out a form in the Registrar's Office in Shuster 114. If your instructor does not fill out the form, your WN grade remains on your record even if you complete all of the remaining coursework and earn a different grade.

Last modified: May 18, 2012

Text Only Version of Site | Make This Website Talk