Appeals FAQs
- General Appeal Information
- Readmission
- Probation Warning
- Dismissal
- Reinstatement of SAP
- TAP Waiver
- Deletion/Refund of Tuition Liability
- Withdrawal after the Deadline without Penalty
- Substitution under the CUNY F Policy
- Other
- Appeals Not Heard in Academic Standards
General Appeal Information
How do I submit my appeal?
All appeal types will be accepted through SM Apply. Please see our instructions for filing your appeal electronically here.
Why am I asked to provide official documentation in support of my appeal?
Although not all appeals will require official documentation, to be consistent in decision making, the Committee has the right to request such documents to validate their decision. This does not mean that the Committee members do not believe and sympathize with the circumstances, but all decisions must be informed and equitable to all students.
Readmission
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 within a reasonable time.
Your appeal for readmission should be filed in the Office of Academic Standards and Evaluation via SM Apply. If you have any documents that can help you to prove the existence of extenuating circumstances and/or 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 granted, 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. 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.
- Students on part-time probation are allowed to take 7-8 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 a maximum of 13 credits. The maximum number allowed is decided by the Appeals Committee on a case-by-case basis.
Please note that if probation is granted for the academic year, it is considered Fall and Spring. This probation does not include Winter and/or Summer sessions.
| Total Credits Attempted | Minimum Lehman Cumulative Indices/ Minimum Retention Index |
|---|---|
| 0-12 | 8-10 |
| 13-24 (or first four 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 the Office of Academic Standards and Evaluation by emailing academic.standards@lehman.cuny.edu about lifting your probation stop.
If your G.P.A. remains below your minimum retention index at the end of your probationary period, but you have achieved a 2.3 minimum semester index in each of the probationary semesters, you will be continued on probation. If not, you will be dismissed, and you have the right to file an appeal for the next academic year.
When can I submit an appeal for Readmission?
You may submit an appeal for Readmission during the following times:
- For the Fall semester: between the third Monday in March until the first Thursday in August
- For the Spring semester: between the first Monday in October until the first Monday in January
If you attempt to submit an appeal to readmit after the stated deadline for the semester, your appeal will be rejected until we begin to accept readmission appeals for the following semester.
When I left Lehman my GPA was below 2.0 and I attended another college(s) since; does that make a difference?
Yes. Before you file the appeal in Academic Standards, the Admissions Office must calculate an average of the grades earned at Lehman and those at the other institution(s). Once there is a combined average (which must be at least 2.0), then you submit the appeal with the recalculation to Academic Standards.
I need to appeal to readmit due to my low GPA and I owe the college money. Does this affect my appeal?
Yes. If you owe the college money, you need to clear the debt with the Bursar’s Office so that the Service Indicator is removed and the Committee can adjudicate a decision.
I want to return to Lehman College and my GPA was above a 2.0; do I need to appeal?
If your GPA at the time that you left the college was 2.0 or higher, you do not need to file an appeal. Instead, go directly to the Admissions Office to readmit.
Probation Warning
What is probation warning?
Probation warning 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 a full-time credit load (18 credits). Probation warning lasts until the end of the academic year--that is, until the end of the spring semester. Even when dismissed, students may register for Summer session.
| Total Credits Attempted | Minimum Lehman Cumulative Indices/ Minimum Retention Index |
|---|---|
| 0-12 (or first four courses) | 1.5 |
| 13-24 (or first eight courses) | 1.75 |
| 25 or more | 2.0 |
Students who have been dismissed from Lehman College may appeal to be readmitted on either part-time or full-time probation if their request is granted.
- Students on part-time probation are allowed to take 7-8 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 a maximum of 13 credits. The maximum number allowed is decided by the Appeals Committee on a case-by-case basis.
Dismissal
Can I be dismissed from Lehman College because of my grades?
As long as your cumulative G.P.A. remains above the 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 Cumulative Indices/ Minimum Retention Index |
|---|---|
| 0-12 | 1.5 |
| 13-24 (or first four courses) | 1.75 |
| 25 or more | 2.0 |
If you:
- let your G.P.A. fall below your minimum retention index for more than one semester, and
- 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:
- bring your G.P.A. to your minimum retention index or above with classes taken that summer at Lehman College or
- file a dismissal appeal for consideration to continue enrollment.
Whether or not it is in your best interest to file an immediate appeal for readmission depends on your readiness to dedicate time and energy to your studies. If you do not feel you are ready for the next semester or have unresolved issues, it may make more sense to work on those first before you file an appeal for readmission for a later semester.
Your dismissal letter includes instructions to follow when submitting an appeal. If you have any documents that can help you to prove the existence of extenuating circumstances and/or your readiness to return, include them with your appeal. If you would like some help in putting together your appeal, consult an Academic Advisor by visiting your appropriate general education advising location.
If your appeal is granted, 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. 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.
- Students on part-time probation are allowed to take 7-8 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 a maximum of 13 credits. The maximum number allowed is decided by the Appeals Committee on a case-by-case basis.
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 the Office of Academic Standards and Evaluation by emailing academic.standards@lehman.cuny.edu about changing your probation status.
As long as you meet the terms of your probation (2.3 minimum semester index each probationary semester), you will be allowed to maintain your enrollment as a Lehman student.
I was dismissed from Lehman because I'm not passing my courses, but I want to keep taking classes.
You must file an appeal with the Committee on Admission and Standing asking to be allowed to enroll for the following Fall semester, but you are allowed to register for the Summer only if you were registered and earned credits in the Spring. This is only suggested if you feel that you will be able to perform and raise your index. Keep in mind that Summer sessions must cover the number of hours of a regular semester, thus they are very intense and demanding of your time.
What if I decide not to appeal to remain in the college for Fall?
If you feel you are not ready to appeal to continue in the Fall, you may submit an appeal for readmission for the semester you feel you are ready to return. Please refer to the Academic Standards and Evaluation homepage to see the timeframe for submitting your appeal as it may be too early or too late for the semester of your choice.
Reinstatement of SAP
I am told I need to file an appeal for federal financial aid. Should I file my appeal with the Office of Financial Aid or Academic Standards and Evaluation?
You may submit your appeal via via SM Apply. In your letter, please explain what issues have affected your academic performance. Please see the “Right to Appeal” section of this page for more instructions about what to include in your appeal.
Please note that if your SAP appeal is granted, it is for one probationary term of Financial Aid. Continued eligibility for federal student aid is contingent upon your meeting Federal SAP requirements by the end of this probationary period. Failure to do so will result in the loss of all Federal Title IV Student Aid. Please note that waivers for consecutive semesters cannot be granted. See below for the SAP requirements that must be met by the end of the probationary term:
- Achieve a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 and/or a 2.3 semester index
- Earn at least 66% of all credits attempted
- Not have attempted more than 180 undergraduate credits
In addition, you must adhere to the following academic plan:
- Achieve a GPA of 2.0 and/or a 2.3 semester index
- Earn 100% of all credits attempted
- In all courses attempted, grades of F, WU, WN, and INC are not acceptable
If your SAP appeal is denied, you may not have met the requirements stated below:
- Maintaining a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0
- Earning credits from at least 66% of all credits attempted
- Not attempting more than 180 undergraduate credits
TAP Waiver
I have been decertified for my TAP award. What can I do to have it reinstated?
If you believe you have a justifiable reason for not meeting New York State's G.P.A. and program pursuit (number of credits earned over time) requirements for the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP), you must first visit the TAP Coordinator in the Office of the Registrar, by emailing TAP.Audit@Lehman.Cuny.Edu. Once you have filled out a form of TAP ineligibility, it must be included in your appeal submitted to Academic Standards and Evaluation through SM Apply. When submitting this appeal, please choose “Other” and include the TAP form as a supporting document. If the form is not included, your appeal will not be accepted. Please note that this is a one-time TAP waiver appeal and is granted only under extraordinary circumstances. For further information, consult the TAP Coordinator through TAP.Audit@Lehman.Cuny.Edu.
Deletion/Refund of Tuition Liability
CUNYfirst shows a course I didn't want to register for; what do I do?
If CUNYfirst shows a course you didn't intend to register for and the enrollment or late enrollment period is still open, go back into the system and swap the courses (Please refer to the Registrar’s Office for specific information about how to swap or drop courses). If the swap was unsuccessful, you will need to file an appeal for the deletion of the course you intended to drop in the swap.
You should not be attending a course for which you are not enrolled on CUNYfirst. Only under extraordinary circumstances should you file an appeal for Retroactive Enrollment in a course.
I would like to obtain a tuition refund for a course(s) I withdrew from or a course(s) I no longer wish to attend. What can I do?
You may appeal to request a tuition refund (also known as a deletion) with documented cause. Please note that once you register for a course(s), you are liable for the full tuition. In addition, if you withdrew and obtained a partial refund and are appealing for a 100% refund, there is a refund schedule set by CUNY. Students must abide by the published refund schedule.
I would like to obtain a tuition refund because I have to leave the country due to a family emergency or I have to change my work schedule due to financial hardship. Can I do that?
You have the right to appeal, but be aware of the fact that the college does not refund tuition for reasons of personal hardship.
I would like to obtain a tuition refund because I have experienced technical difficulties with CUNYfirst and/or Blackboard. What do I do?
You may appeal with documentation from either the instructor or the IT department that handles Blackboard verifying that the technical issues are documented.
Withdrawal after the Deadline without Penalty
I couldn't withdraw officially from my course(s) in a given semester. Can I withdraw without penalty?
If you were forced to stop attending classes due to unforeseen circumstances and can provide documented proof of the reason behind your unofficial withdrawal, consult an Academic Advisor about an appeal for a late or retroactive withdrawal. Appeals after the withdrawal deadline are not usually granted unless there are documented reasons such as: change of employment schedule, hospitalization, or leaving the country for an urgent matter.
If you do not file an appeal for retroactive withdrawal or if your appeal is denied, please refer to appeals for Substitution Under the CUNY F Policy.
Can I withdraw from my course(s) this semester?
If you want to withdraw from a class without academic penalty, you may do so before the withdrawal deadline without appealing, but make sure you check with Financial Aid as to the financial repercussions that this action may have on your tuition responsibility. If you require assistance in the withdrawal process, please refer to the Registrar's Office.
If you must withdraw after the deadline, you may submit an appeal to the Office of Academic Standards via SM Apply, explaining the reasons why you did not do so in time. The Committee will wait until final grades are submitted before a decision is rendered. Your appeal should include a written statement on official stationery from your instructor(s) with regard to your attendance and grade earned to date. If relevant, you may also include documents that prove the extenuating circumstances behind your late withdrawal.
If I want to withdraw due to medical reasons, what do I do?
If you are withdrawing within the withdrawal deadline, you are able do so yourself without penalty. If you are withdrawing after the deadline you must file an appeal for a late withdrawal and attach all relevant official documentation for consideration. This type of appeal will be held until final grades are submitted.
I am filing an appeal for Withdrawal after the Deadline. What documentation do I need to provide with my appeal?
Here are some examples of required documentation for the most common reasons for an appeal to Withdraw after the Deadline:
- In the case of a personal medical emergency, provide official documentation verifying dates of hospitalization and/or statement from the physician as to projected leave from school.
- In the case of a work schedule change, provide an official letter from your employer verifying the time conflict and the start date of that change.
- In the case of having to leave the country due to an urgent matter, provide a copy of your boarding pass, a copy of official stamps on your passport, and a copy of a death certificate (if appropriate).
If I have earned a grade I do not wish to have on my transcript, can I appeal for a retroactive withdrawal?
No, you may not appeal. An earned academic grade cannot be reversed to a withdrawal.
I withdrew officially from a course, but I stayed in the class and the professor is willing to give me a grade. Can I have the withdrawal changed to a grade?
No, a withdrawal is a personal decision; it stands on the record and may not be changed to a grade.
Substitution under the CUNY F Policy
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 same course. Is there some other way I get rid of the F?
The course that you are taking in substitution of the F/WU grade you earned must be chosen from the same Flexible Core area if you choose not to repeat the same course. If this is the case, you must file an appeal with the Office of Academic Standards and Evaluation via SM Apply. Your letter should include the courses taken, grades earned, and the semesters they were taken for both the original and the repeated courses. The penalty will be removed from the GPA as long as you have not utilized more than the 16 credits allowed to be removed from the GPA under the CUNY F Policy.
Your request to use the CUNY F Policy to remove a failing grade from your index must be received in the Office of Academic Standards and Evaluation with enough time to be processed by the Registrar before conferral of your degree. After a degree has been conferred, your record is sealed and no further action can be taken on the official transcript.
Please note that once the penalty has been removed from your GPA, the original grade will always show on the face of the record.
I would like to submit an appeal to remove an F/WU from my GPA involving a course in my major/minor. Does this require anything in addition to my appeal?
If you have an F or WU in a course in your major/minor, and you have taken a course other than the one you failed, you will have to obtain a recommendation from the academic department so that the appeal can be heard. Once you have received the final grade for the course you would like to be used as a substitution and if the department agrees to allow it, the departmental recommendation must be submitted via an email to the Office of Academic Standards and Evaluation. The penalty will be removed from the GPA as long as you have not utilized more than the 16 credits allowed to be removed from the GPA under the CUNY F Policy. Your request to use the CUNY F Policy to remove a failing grade from your index must be received in the Office of Academic Standards and Evaluation with enough time to be processed by the Registrar before conferral of your degree. After a degree has been conferred, your record is sealed and no further action can be taken on the official transcript.
Please note that once the penalty has been removed from your GPA, the original grade will always show on the face of the record.
I earned an F/WU in a course, but I retook the same course and earned a grade of C- or better. Do I need to appeal?
No, you do not need to appeal as the penalty grade is removed automatically from your grade point average as long as you have not utilized more than the 16 credits allowed to be removed from the GPA under the CUNY F Policy.
The only instance when the same course number is repeated and the penalty will not be removed automatically is in the case of variable topic courses, such as LEH. In those cases, you must file an appeal with the Office of Academic Standards and Evaluation through SM Apply. Your letter should include the courses taken, grades earned, and the semesters they were taken for both the original and the repeated courses.
Please note that once the penalty has been removed from your GPA, the original grade will always show on the face of the record.
Other
I thought that I had finished registering, but one of the courses is not showing on my schedule. What do I do?
If you believe that you registered for a course, are in attendance, and fulfilling all requirements, but you do not see it on your class schedule, you can file an appeal for retroactive registration in the Office of Academic Standards and Evaluation on SM Apply by choosing the ‘Other’ option. You will need a letter from your instructor on official stationery stating attendance and grade earned to date and a full typed explanation as to what you believe transpired in the enrollment process.
If your appeal is granted, you may be liable for a tuition increase.
I am registered for one section of a course but am attending another. How can I get my grade?
It is illegal if you are registered for one section of a course and you attend another. You must drop the course and add the section that you are indeed attending by utilizing the swap feature on CUNYfirst. Please refer to the Registrar’s Office if you require assistance with the swap feature.
I need one of my graduation requirements waived or changed.
All students must fulfill graduation requirements. In some instances, a departmental advisor may find an appropriate substitution for a required course in the major. In such cases, a substitution will be submitted via eRMR (Electronic Record Modification Request) to the Office of Academic Standards for approval. If the approval is granted, the Records Unit and/or Graduation Audit Unit will receive electronic notification.
Appeals Not Heard in Academic Standards
I'm not happy with the grade I earned for my course. What can I do?
If you received a grade and believe that you should have received a different grade, contact the instructor of the course. The possibility always exists that the grade is the result of a clerical error and a simple discussion with the instructor may be enough to correct the situation.
If after a discussion with your instructor you still believe that your work has been evaluated unfairly, you have the right to file a written appeal with the Chair of the department that houses your course. Please refer to the Grade Grievance Policy. This type of appeal is not within the jurisdiction of the Office of Academic Standards and Evaluation.
I missed the first few days 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 so that my instructor can give me the grade I will earn?
Your instructor must fill out a form in the Registrar's Office in order to remove the WN grade. If the form to reinstate you in the course is not filled out at the beginning of the semester, the instructor has to submit an eGrade change verifying the final grade earned.
I have a WA grade due to vaccination noncompliance; can I appeal this grade?
Academic Standards does not hear appeals pertaining to administrative withdrawal grades. Please reach out to the Registrar’s office for more information.
