IMMEDIATE HELP needed with College Dismissal Appeal

Parents Forum
1

Hi everyone, I’m kicking myself for finding out about CC only today, especially since I have an appeal due tomorrow. I’m hoping to get some suggestions as to how my appeal could be further polished.

some background: I’m a graduate student. I have appealed last semester too and it got approved. This is my 3rd semester in Academic Probation and I got dismissed from the university.

To whom it may concern:

The purpose of this statement is to appeal to the College of Engineering Graduate Appeals Committee regarding the unfortunate decision to dismiss me from xxxxx University. I thank you for allowing me the opportunity to explain my circumstances.

Since my first semester at xxxxx, I have been struggling with my grades. It was mainly due to my ongoing battle with depression. It had affected my academics and personal life beyond control. I had trouble completing my assignments or even making it to classes most of the semester. I lacked motivation and energy to function. I knew I needed to take action regarding my mental health and thus started getting help from the Counselors at the University’s Health and Counseling Services. My Primary Care Physician at Harvard Vanguard and my Psychiatrist diagnosed me with severe Major Depressive Disorder and passive Suicidal Ideation. I was prescribed antidepressants for the same.

I continued my sessions with the counselors at the University. At the same time, I started seeking professional help from my therapist, Ms. ----- since June 2019. I had bi-weekly sessions for behavioural therapy ever since. Thanks to these resources, I have slowly noticed changes in my behaviour, and a general increase in my motivation. I took more initiative with my course work and reached out to my professors early in the semester to know about the course, to be well prepared. I have reached out to the TA and the Professors whenever I needed help throughout the semester. I put in my hours of hard work and raised my CGPA from 2.001 to 2.84 by achieving a GPA of 3.5 in Fall 2019 semester. I received letter grades A and B+, which has been an improvement from Cs and C+s the previous semesters.

Unfortunately, I fell short of attaining a CGPA of 3.00 by a mere 15 marks. I am deeply saddened by the outcome of the semester, but this is only motivating me to do better. I have newfound energy that makes me believe I can get out of Probation, given one last chance.

I accept that my failure to secure the necessary GPA was the reason for my dismissal from the University. However, I have taken great efforts to improve my grades by seeking therapy and help from the University Services and Professors alike.

My plan, should I be reinstated, is to take the subjects GE 5291 ---- and EMGT ---- during Spring 2020. I aim to achieve straight As for the subjects, subsequently raising my CGPA to 3.20. I plan on continuing therapy sessions, medication, and keep seeking help from Professors and the Assigned TAs for the courses. Owing to all the help I received, I can assure that nothing will affect my academics.

I have attached supporting documents from my therapist Ms. ----, Professor Mr. ----, and my transcripts for all the semesters.

Thank you for allowing me to explain my situation. Graduating from xxxxx has always been my dream, and I request one chance to make it happen. It is my sincere request to the Committee to reconsider the decision of dismissing me.

Sincerely,
…

2

I would get rid of all or most of the second paragraph that provides too much detail about mental health issues and the first half of paragraph 3.

After saying you are appealing the decision, go right to the fact that you just got a 3.5 after seeking help for mental health issues and are now your cumulative GPA is so close to a 3.0 that you think they should give you one more chance to show how successful you can be in the program.

You can say that you are working with mental health professionals without going into too much detail about your dx.

Sounds like things are improving for you! Good luck.

3

What are 15 marks? .15? I don’t think you need to say you aim to get A’s, just that you’ve made enormous strides already and you think you can do even better now that you have the hang of it. And try to make it shorter. These appeal letters are always way, way too long.

4

Take out “unfortunate” in the first paragraph (“unfortunate decision”): I think it gives the wrong impression.

So you have been on probation for three semesters? Why did you not take a medical leave of absence or at some point do a medical withdrawal? At what point in what has apparently been at least a year and a half, perhaps two years, of depression, did you seek help?

Congratulations on having such an excellent GPA for fall 2019. I think your best argument is that if treatment allows you to continue to do that well, you will make the 3.0 cumulative next semester.

However some of your past decisions to stay in school while not doing well, may be a factor.

You may have a good chance since you did well with medication and therapy. But make the appeal shorter, yes, as others have said. Keep all the main points, just avoid wordiness. Good luck!

ps You should/should have gone to the Office for Disabilities and registered so as to get accommodations. This gives you added protection. I would also recommend tuition refund insurance.

5

This is your third time having to appeal dismissal?

I would try to emphasize the good grades of the most recent term, and why.

Many grad programs dismiss students without recourse if the GPA falls below 3.0 or if more than one C grade is received. You are fortunate yours does not have this criteria.

You need a plan b if this isn’t approved.

6

Is this your first appeal? You’ve been on academic probation for 3 semesters but you don’t say how many times you’ve had to appeal to stay in school. First appeal may be more likely to be granted than second or third.

What is the schools policy on C’s? Lots of grad schools don’t allow them or allow them only in very limited circumstances (like not ok in a course with a lab). Are you going to have to retake several courses? You may want to cut the explanation and address a plan for coursework if you do.

Is this a doctoral or a master’s program? If you are just starting out in a doctoral program, I think you are less likely to be granted your appeal as you have a long road ahead and the committee may be wary of ongoing issues over a period of years. If you’ve got 3 semesters in on a Master’s and are almost done, you point out that you only need X to complete the degree.

7

@ordinarylives

Third term on academic probation in graduate school…a masters program.

How many semesters IS this masters program. Many are two years…4 semesters. This would mean this student has been on probation 1/2 the time.

I do think they need a plan B as returning to this grad program might not be possible.

8

Good luck to you. I think you have a strong case for reinstatement. The letter has too many words though. Get rid of the unneeded verbiage.

Example: The purpose of this statement is to appeal to the College of Engineering Graduate Appeals Committee regarding the unfortunate decision to dismiss me from xxxxx University. I thank you for allowing me the opportunity to explain my circumstances.

Why not: I am appealing my dismissal to the CE Graduate Appeals Committee. Thank you for the chance to let me explain my circumstances.

Same thing, fewer words. Do not say unfortunate decision, whatever you do.

9

I am surprised that it is the U that is seeking your dismissal - often grad programs have their own expectations for performance that exceed a minimal GPA requirement.

10

@thumper1 Oops, missed this is second appeal. I don’t see reference to the master’s level, except that OP says “graduate student” and not “post-grad” student.

11

What does your advisor say about your predicament? Do not do a thing until you have a sit-down to discuss your options. A note from your therapist is great- but your therapist does not understand your field, your professional opportunities, the norms of academia in your department, etc.

12

I would truncate the information about your MH issues. They don’t need to know those details. Just say you have been working on issues with depression that negatively impacted your academic performance this past semester (year) and what you are continuing to do to improve

13

I also agree with @thumper1. There has to be a plan B.

I think the student and the uni are both stuck.

-If this is an engineering candidate, the university has an obligation to engineering firms, to provide students who are capable. My husband, who interviews grad level engineering candidates, is obliged to strongly consider GPA. If the overall GPA is not at or above a 3.5, the candidate is not seriously considered. My daughter’s engineering firm also regards candidates with GPA’s closer to 4.0. This may be different for other engineering firms.

To the student, I’m wondering if you may need a break from school to align your mental health needs and seriously consider if this program is weighing heavily on your needs.