Attention: Board of Academic Standards
My name is XXXXl and I am a recently declared Philosophy major at XXXX University. I am writing this letter to ask for an appeal of my academic suspension and to explain the causes of my failure to meet the academic requirements at XXXX. When I received the email about my academic status, I immediately realized the seriousness of my situation. I know that it is because of my poor decisions that I have been suspended, and I completely understand why the decision was made. I know my academic record does not meet the standards set for academic progress, nor is my grade point average high enough to meet the minimum requirement. I was placed on academic probation after the spring semester of 2015, which gave me a serious wake-up call for the fall. I started off with high hopes and determination for success. It is because of several circumstances that I lost focus and started on a path downhill.
My mother took her own life, and my father is not currently in my life. Due to their absence, I have been living with close relatives and they have been very supportive. I greatly appreciate all that they have, and are still doing for me, but there was some tension as I felt as though their methods of leadership and guidance were detrimental. They have expectations of success, as do I, but I felt an unmanageable amount of pressure from them that made me want to run away. With the help of XXXX and a member of XXXX’s faculty, I contacted my relatives with hopes that there would be a change.It was not immediate, but my relationship with my relatives has definitely improved. Before my relatives and I talked, I decided to stay on XXXX’s campus full-time instead of living with them. I wanted to leave all of my problems behind. Being on my own caused me a lot of stress, as I could not handle covering the cost of living as well as room, board and tuition. Because of this, I got a second job to help cover the costs as well as attempting to join the military (there was a delay for my entry due to medical issues). The extra work and meetings with a recruiter only caused me to spend less time on my academics. I moved back in with my relatives after we all talked about our situation, and it relieved a lot of my stress. I was able to quit one of my jobs, and I did not need to join the military. During the semesters, I could feel myself slipping trying to handle all of this. I felt overwhelmed trying to catch back up. I was not focused on my academics enough to remain as a student at XXXX. I decided to run away from my problems instead of facing them. I realize that running away from my problems is not a good method for handling any situation. I attempted to do the same with my academics which brought me to where I am now.
I have thought a lot about what I can and would do to redeem myself and use my abilities to my full potential if given a second chance. First off, I believe it is necessary that I continue to receive counseling, as I talk about and deal with the loss of my mother. I have been in contact with a therapist and he has been very helpful in dealing with everything. I also, along with this, believe it is best that I apply for a single dorm. It would be much easier for me to focus on improving my grades and doing everything I can to succeed at XXXX without the distractions that come with having a roommate. I would also take fewer credits than my usual eighteen as well as communicating more with my professors and advisors. Resigning from my position as president of the XXXX would also allow me more time to focus on my academics. I am very confident in my abilities to prove and apply myself. I take full responsibility for my actions, and I ask that you reconsider my suspension.
My education is very important to me, and I absolutely love XXXX University. If given the chance, I would greatly improve my performance at XXXX, and show how good a student I could be. I would like to thank you for the opportunity to appeal my suspension and for taking the time to read my letter.
Sincerely,
XXXX