Legal Question in Civil Litigation in New Jersey

Education

I studied part-time at Ramapo College in NJ for

over 10 years. I had a contract major which was confirmed by my advisor. Although he left the college due to illness and never processed the required papers, he wrote a letter to the college confirming that I had indeed pursued the major.

Even though I would graduate with honors and belonged to an international honor society, the college refused to grant me a degree. I had nearly 170 credits, took mostly 400 level classes and was recognized as an excellent student.

I tried to seek help through a law firm that a friend works for in NYC. They called NJ legal specialists in the area of education and they said that their offices were full of similar cases. They said there was a obscure law that allowed colleges to refuse to grant a degree to contract majors should they choose to do so.

What recourse do I have in a situation like this?


Asked on 9/09/99, 1:57 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Robert Gleaner Robert A. Gleaner, P.C.

Re: Education

Education law is a very narrow area in which only a few lawyers practice exclusively. I personally am not familiar with this area of the law. However, considering the gravity of your problem, I would suggest that you call your County Bar Association and ask them to refer you to an attorney who practices exclusively in the area of Education Law and consult with him/her. Alternatively, look in your local phone book under "Lawyers" and look at the Specialty Practice Areas under "Education". Then make an appointment with one of those attorneys. The position of the college does not seem equitable. I hope, for your sake, that this is not an area of the law without a remedy for you. Good Luck!

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Answered on 9/09/99, 4:29 pm


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