the reason I was dismissed was that I did not register for all my graduation requirements within my full four-year, and that I did not take any action in my last semester even though the college contacted me about the missing registration by e-mail. Several e-mails were sent from the registrar saying that it was my last term and i am not registered for the thesis.
My only remaining credit was my senior thesis and one pe course.
I appealed to the academic committee to be granted an additional term and was denied.
I have heard many times from the coordinator of the committee that the reason my initial appeal did not go through was that I did not explain enough why I did not technically get registered for my senior thesis until my last term despite the college told me to, and I had to explain that for the next appeal.
I focused more on my future plans in detail and shortened what happened during my last term. I just briefly noted about my medical issues in my appeal and that was it.
Now, what I am preparing is:
medical certificate from my home provider stating that I had symptoms(depressive disorder-psychomotor retardation, anxiety disorder, ADHD) and I would have a lot of difficulties. ADHD was a recent diagnosis I got after the term.
-3-page letter from the counselor from the school medical service that I used to meet, who would explain about the difficulties I was having. From the counselings I had with him, he additionally diagnosed me of parental abuse and PTSD.
I also have the support of my academic advisor who is willing to write a letter and have an appointment with the dean, and my senior thesis adviser saying that if additional terms are granted she will be able to complete the thesis (this was in the initial appeal)
and… yes. um… my mental health issues were recurrent, but I was able to manage it through until last year, when my father’s health deteriorated and it got squeaky, and the progress of my thesis got slowed down. During the summer, because of his health problems, he also began to have mental issues and he would relieve his stress by abusing me. I just should have taken a medical leave last fall term…but I returned to school for fall term and my condition was the worst. I was just barely following up with classes and…,
the task is very straightforward but I am still very worried how I should make a compelling case for this…my school is pretty liberal and mental health and disability issues have been discussed a lot recently… But the big obstacle is that I have a record of academic suspension…
I am aware that I have been doing wrong and this is a very pathetic situation…
but I’ve seen other posts and replies from others and it seems that people are knowledgable on different dismissal cases…
I was wondering if I could also ask for advice on what you think of my case, please, or any advice would be appreciated…
I did not know I could not edit the post. The next process is appealing to the dean.
I am trying to write in different ways, and I have been trying to honestly explain how my mental condition was like especially the last fall term, list some examples of how I could not keep up with even basic tasks, etc…
oh, and it’s not that I haven’t been doing the thesis. just that i could not manage to do the registration. i have been working on it, even though it took more time than it normally would…
Sounds like you were going through a tough time. Do you have the mental health issues under control now? You will want to make that clear, too - and explain briefly how you addressed. Having a letter from the medical provider who initially diagnosed saying that you are now okay would be helpful. Basically: a) what happened and why b) how you addressed and results c) your plans to successfully complete the remaining requirements. Agree with @twoinanddone that your academic adviser is a good ally and should be able to help you through the process.
@twoinanddone@4Gulls thanks a lot guys…
my academic adviser said he could review my draft and write comments, so that’s hopeful and thankful.
unfortunately, the denial of the initial appeal was a big blow to me and it didn’t get a lot better…but I am trying to. i am taking medications and meeting with the counselor. if the appeal is granted it would substantially get better though…thanks again for the outline. except for the impact of the initial rejection, things were becoming better though, and I will make sure I write that.
Were you medically diagnosed with depression? If not, have you seen or will you see a doctor? If so, then you may be able to get a retroactive medical withdrawal.
Have you seen a doctor? Is your depression under control? What evidence do you have?
Can you appeal your dismissal?
A successful appeal must do several things:
show that you understand what went wrong
show that you take responsibility for the academic failures
show that you have a plan for future academic success
in a broad sense, show that you are being honest with yourself and the committee
Think about if you should continue at college, or take a break.
Think about if you should continue at a community college, to be close to your family
How is your college funded? Will that continue?
In general, keep in mind what the college wants…they want students who can succeed. They need to know that you understand what the issue was, know now the resources that you can use, how the problems is resolved so you will not have academic issues in the future.
Talk to admissions at the CC. Usually they allow anyone in.
This is the decision my committee would have made. Please use the time away from school to take care of your health issues. It would be good to be evaluated by a health professional, start a treatment plan, and find a job/volunteer position.
Here is a post that I saw on this topic from someone who is on a committee that review these letters:
My committee would consider you a strong case for reinstatement if you can provide:
a) documentation from your health care provider of a diagnosis
b) confirmation from your health care provider that you have been compliant with treatment and your situation has improved so that you are better equipped to handle the stress of college life if/when you return
c) details of how you plan to continue your treatment plan after you return to school
d) details of other campus resources you will use and adjustments you will make after you return to enhance your success
e) some statement of how you know your treatment has improved your situation (e.g. if you have been working during your time away and found it easier to handle the stress and demands as your treatment progressed)
@bopper , thank you. yes I was medically diagnosed as depressive disorder, anxiety disorder, PTSD and ADHD. I have medical documents and I have been receiving treatments and getting better. Could I ask, what do you mean by, “This is the decision my committee would have made”?Do you serve on an academic committee?
Does it mean that I should use time away from school to take care of health issues, or the sentence before that?
actually, I have seen your reply a lot in dismissal threads. Would it be ok if I PM you?