Can a JD degree conferral be reversed?

Education Law Forum
1

I recently found out that my JD degree was conferred without my approval two months ago. I didn’t apply for graduation because I had planned to take additional courses—Business Associations, Civ Pro 2, and Early Bar Prep—before officially graduating. Now, I want the conferral reversed so I can complete these courses before starting my bar exam preparation.

It feels like the school forced me out without notice, almost like an unlawful termination. Does anyone know if it’s even possible to reverse a degree conferral? If not, what steps can I take to address this and ensure I’m adequately prepared for the bar exam?

2

Wow, that’s frustrating. Did the school explain why they went ahead with conferral without your application?

3

Lin said:
Wow, that’s frustrating. Did the school explain why they went ahead with conferral without your application?

They haven’t given a clear answer. Just said it’s part of their standard process.

4

Lin said:
Wow, that’s frustrating. Did the school explain why they went ahead with conferral without your application?

That sounds like a mistake on their end. Did you check their graduation policy to see if they’re allowed to do this?

5

I don’t think degrees can be ‘unconferred,’ but you could argue that you weren’t given a fair chance to finish your coursework. Have you spoken to the administration?

6

Kari said:
I don’t think degrees can be ‘unconferred,’ but you could argue that you weren’t given a fair chance to finish your coursework. Have you spoken to the administration?

Yes, but they’ve been pretty dismissive so far. I’m not sure what else I can do.

7

Kari said:
I don’t think degrees can be ‘unconferred,’ but you could argue that you weren’t given a fair chance to finish your coursework. Have you spoken to the administration?

Maybe consult a lawyer who specializes in education law? They might know how to push back on the school’s decision.

8

If the courses you missed are critical for the bar, you could argue that the school is jeopardizing your professional future. Have you considered filing a formal complaint?

9

Eli said:
If the courses you missed are critical for the bar, you could argue that the school is jeopardizing your professional future. Have you considered filing a formal complaint?

Not yet, but I’m thinking about it. I just want to make sure I’m not wasting time if they can’t reverse it.

10

Eli said:
If the courses you missed are critical for the bar, you could argue that the school is jeopardizing your professional future. Have you considered filing a formal complaint?

Even if they can’t reverse the conferral, they might let you take the courses as a non-degree student. Worth asking!

11

Does the school’s handbook mention anything about automatic conferral? If not, they might have overstepped.

12

Zola said:
Does the school’s handbook mention anything about automatic conferral? If not, they might have overstepped.

Good point. I’ll check the handbook and see if they’re following their own policies.

13

Zola said:
Does the school’s handbook mention anything about automatic conferral? If not, they might have overstepped.

If they didn’t follow their policies, you’d definitely have grounds to push back. Keep us updated!

14

This might also affect your financial aid or status with the bar association. I’d consult a specialist in law school policies ASAP.

15

Aza said:
This might also affect your financial aid or status with the bar association. I’d consult a specialist in law school policies ASAP.

I hadn’t thought about the financial aid angle. Thanks for pointing that out—I’ll look into it.

16

Aza said:
This might also affect your financial aid or status with the bar association. I’d consult a specialist in law school policies ASAP.

No problem. Definitely get a professional opinion. This could have bigger implications than just finishing a few courses.