Graduate Academic Appeal

Graduate School
,
1

Hello all, I would like to know if this would be a successful appeal to my university or if I need to add more?

Dear Dr. xxxxx,

I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to appeal my academic dismissal from xxxx University. Upon receiving the dismissal letter, I was disappointed in myself knowing that I am expected to excel in my academic studies. I want to express my gratitude to you and your committee for allowing me to explain my circumstances and plead my case for reinstatement.

When I first was accepted to xxxxx, I was glad to see that the Lord had opened a door for me to pursue a degree in xxxxx. As the transition from undergraduate to graduate school began my transition to working full time began as well. I have to work full time as I also need to contribute to my family. In this time, I was not only going to school full time, working full time, I was also focusing much of my time volunteering at my local church. I was a worship leader who never understood the power of “no.” I would attend all church events and neglect school. Doing so led me to withdraw from two of my classes. The moment I withdrew, I knew my focus and time management needed to change. A month before starting the class xxxxx, I decided to speak to my church leaders and step down from worship leading/serving at church to focus on my persona in academia.

I then began xxxx, where I minimized all distractions and was no longer volunteering. I was able to perform well within the classroom and complete the course with an A. If reinstated, I plan to continue to make my education a priority. I will make sure to manage my time wisely and align my focus on my coursework. To ensure academic success, I want to create a plan with my advisor for the number of units to take each semester. Communication with my professors will be conveyed once a week so that I remain in good standing. I want to implement these changes so that my performance will not lack once again.

xxxxx University would make me the first person in my family to complete a graduate degree. I long to graduate from this fine establishment and would like to see this event in my life as a push toward success and not a hindrance. Thank you for considering this appeal.

Sincerely,

xxxxx

2

It’s impossible to say whether that would be successful. Every university and degree program is different.

I will say that, as someone who is involved in graduate education, I find it somewhat off-putting to talk about how the Lord opened a door for you rather than the idea that you worked to get where you are. It’s the difference between saying you feel something was handed to you versus you having earned your place.

But who knows, if this is a religious studies program or something then maybe that plays well.

3

@gradgirl25 - Welcome to the CC Forums. I tend to agree with @boneh3ad . As a former Associate Dean in the Graduate College and Interim Chair, I would be moved most by a student telling me why they had difficulties and how they have addressed them so they do not re-occur and performance will improve.