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Grade Appeals and Reinstatement

Appealing Individual Course Grades

In order to appeal a final course grade, the student must first discuss the grade with the instructor. If, after discussion with the instructor, the student wishes to appeal further, or if the student is unable to meet with the instructor, the student may then arrange to meet with the department chairperson. If, after meeting with the chairperson, the student still wishes to appeal the grade, the student must consult with Student Advising Services (B102) about appealing the case in writing to the Academic Standing Committee. The appeal must be filed within six months following the session in which the course was taken. The decision of the Academic Standing Committee is final.

Appealing Individual Course Grades: Early College Students

In order to appeal a final course grade, Early College student(s) must first discuss the grade with the instructor. If, after discussion with the instructor, the student wishes to appeal further, or if the student is unable to meet with the instructor, the student may then arrange to meet with the department chairperson. If, after meeting with the chairperson, the student still wishes to appeal the grade, the student must consult with an advisor, room B102, about appealing the case in writing to the Academic Standing Committee. The appeal must be filed within six months following the session in which the course was taken. The decision of the Academic Standing Committee is final.

***speak with your Early College Liaison to determine eligibility for academic appeals

Appealing to Receive Grades of W (Official Withdrawal)

A student who can document that extenuating life circumstances adversely affected his or her grades during a specific term must consult with an advisor about filing an appeal directly with the Academic Standing Committee asking that these grades be changed to W. The appeal form, along with appropriate documentation, must be submitted by the end of the student’s next semester at LaGuardia.

Note: A grade of W cannot be altered by instructors or chairpersons. It can only be changed by appealing to the Academic Standing Committee. A grade of WU or WN can be changed by the instructors with the chairperson’s approval. The change must accompany a reasonable explanation. A WU or WN grade can also be changed by appealing to the Academic Standing Committee. Grades of A, B, C, D, F, FIN, INC, R, Z or @ may be changed by instructors with permission from the department chairperson. The Registrar will review all cases of changes where more than one grade level is involved, e.g. C to A, D to B, F to C.

Academic Review

The academic records of all students are reviewed each semester, and probation and suspension letters are sent to students who do not meet the scholastic requirements at LaGuardia. Not having received a letter, however, does not excuse a student from knowing the policies and adhering to them. All students are responsible for maintaining their academic standing according to the College’s retention policy.

Probation

Students who do not meet the minimum grade point average (GPA) are placed on academic probation for the following semester. They are given one semester to achieve the minimum grade point average required as per the College’s retention policy. If during this probationary period, students make satisfactory academic progress, they will be returned to good academic standing with the College and may be eligible for financial aid. If the minimum GPA is not achieved, students may be suspended from the College. However, in order to allow students to file appeals (due to constraints associated with the calendar), there is a one semester delay applying suspensions. The College reserves the right to limit the number of equated credits a student may carry during a probationary semester. Exceptions to the limitation may be granted, only under unusual circumstances, by the Academic Standing Committee or its chairperson.

Suspension

Students who have been suspended are not eligible to register for courses at the College for one semester. They may appeal the suspension in writing to the chairperson of the Academic Standing Committee. Appeal forms are available in Student Advising Services (B102) or in C107. If the appeal is approved, students will be expected to show substantial improvement in academic performance. Normally this will require earning a semester GPA of 3.00. The decision of the committee is final.

Reinstatement

Students on academic suspension may apply in writing for reinstatement during their period of suspension. Applications must be obtained in C107, and returned before the deadline date, prior to the semester for which the student is applying for reinstatement. Students should call the Student Information Center for the reinstatement deadline. There is a $20 non-refundable reinstatement processing fee (even if the application is rejected) payable to the Bursar. If reinstated, students are expected to show substantial improvement in academic performance. Normally this will require maintaining a semester GPA of 3.00. Students who are reinstated and do not obtain a 3.00 GPA in the semester in which they are reinstated or do not improve their GPA to within retention policy standards are once more suspended. Students suspended twice are not allowed to register at the College again. Exceptions may be granted, only under unusual circumstances, by the Academic Standing Committee or its chairperson. The decision of the committee is final.

Note: Reinstatements are not considered for the six-week sessions.

Academic Forgiveness Policy

Students who have been dismissed from, or have not been in attendance at, the College for a period of at least five years and whose GPA is below 2.0 are able to be reinstated under the Academic Forgiveness Policy. For students reinstated under this policy, past grades of F, FIN or WU will remain on their transcripts but will not be calculated in their grade point averages. This policy gives students a second chance to complete their studies.

Your eligibility for Financial Aid is determined by Student Financial Services in accordance with Federal and State Financial Aid regulations. The Academic Forgiveness Policy does not override financial aid regulations. Please speak to a Financial Aid Specialist regarding your eligibility for aid.

Note: Admission or readmission into the “Clinical Phase” of Allied Health Programs is not guaranteed under the Academic Forgiveness Policy, regardless of the student’s prior status in that program. Students must contact individual program offices for specific readmission policies.