Academic Probation and Organization Membership

Graduate School Law School
1

<p>Hi,</p>

<p>Right now I feel like I am stuck between a rock and a hard place. My first year in law school did not turn out as I had planned. I consider myself quite bright and successful, outside of my 1L grades, which have landed me on academic probation. While I should have perhaps waited another year to enter law school, a terrible situation outside my control which I have finally overcome, was the main determination of my low grades. This problem in essence could have been anything as it is not my current dilemma.</p>

<p>The issue that I am facing currently is a leadership position that I entered in an organization at my law school last semester. The student code of conduct clearly states that I cannot hold such a leadership position with my current G.P.A. and academic probation status. This is now causing me great stress and potential embarrassment, on top of the fact that I actually earned such low grades. I have just completed a summer as successful summer associate for a firm excelling while learning a great amount during this period. I know that I want to be a lawyer and I will be successful. My future plans are not an issue for me.</p>

<p>Currently no one from academic affairs or my organization has contacted me about this situation which makes me wonder if this would ever surface next semester? However, hiding this would conflict with my core beliefs of honesty and playing by the rules. (Yes even though I want to be a lawyer). I am confident that I can improve my grades next semester and should be able to meet the requirements of the school and the organization. This would allow me to avoid potential blacklisting and shame from being a failure as a 1L and develop contacts that I most certainly will need in order to get a job after school is over. </p>

<p>So this is the dilemma that I face, I could break the rules which perhaps no one will know or care that I did and continue my role (albeit minor) with the organization while breaking the rules. The second option would be to follow the rules and my principles while facing shame of relinquishing my position and loosing potential networking opportunities?</p>

<p>I apologize for the length. I would appreciate any feedback on the matter, especially from anyone with experience within law school administration. The anonymity of this forum seems to be the only way to ask about this subject as I do not know if I can safely speak to any of my professors about this matter.</p>

<p>Thank you,</p>

<p>Trobled2L</p>

2

<p>I don’t know that the rules require that you disclose why you’re stepping down. Just resign your position with the organization. Your successor will be very happy to add a line to his resume – I assume he/she won’t ask questions.</p>

3

<p>Troubled,</p>

<p>I am sorry for what you are going through and I hope that you turn things around. I would think that by remaining in office that you would be violating your schools honor code. If found out, this can have more serious consequences than simply feeling embarrassed.</p>

<p>I agree with BDM, just quietly resign the position. You will not owe any one any explanations as to why you no longer want to continue in the activity.</p>

4

<p>Hi,</p>

<p>Thank you for the advice. This subject has a clear answer as my continued commitment to the organization is against school policy. Resigning is what I would end up doing anyway. It is counter productive to feel sorry for myself. I hope for a significant improvement in my grades this semester. I guess one option is to speak with the academic dean about my situation and ask their advice, perhaps with my situation they would make an exception. </p>

<p>Thanks,</p>

<p>T2L</p>

5

<p>If you have decided to remain in law school, think your ***sole focus should be turning your grades around ***and making sure that you meet the gpa requirement to remain in school. </p>

<p>Your drop in grades and your academic status is probably going to hurt you at 2L OCI (unless your 1L SA position has asked you to return for 2L). Even then, should they ask you for grades you could find your self not be offered a position after graduation and may have to do 3L OCI. If this ends up happening you want to present the strongest transcript possible.</p>

<p>I think it is better to operate from a position of I had a set back and I used my time to focus on school and turn things around instead of I am going to remain with the ABC, hold on to my leadership position even if I do not end up giving my all to my studies.</p>