Letter Of Academic Suspension Appeal Review

Parents Forum
1

Hello everyone,

I’m looking for feedback on my academic suspension appeal letter. Some background info:
-I’m a transfer student
-Second Suspension. First suspension is just a semester suspension, no appeal needed. However, I was allowed to come back without waiting a semester (Don’t really know why)
-If I retake my classes, my GPA should be around a 2.6 I believe.
Let me know if theres any other info you may want to know. Any and all feedback is welcome! I really need to get back in for the Fall semester! I was given a guideline and form via my school. I’ll include it if anyone asks

Dear Chair of the Appeals Committee,

I am writing to appeal my academic suspension from SIUe, and hopefully after reading this appeal letter, you will understand my circumstances for failing, my changed attitude regarding my academics, and my plan to not only attain a higher GPA, but to also maintain a GPA above a 2.0 and to find success in all my classes. I want to express my sincere gratitude for allowing me a chance to appeal my academic suspension and to explain everything pertaining to my poor academic record so far.

I take full responsibility for my failure in my recent terms at xxx. I do not have any reason as to why my grades have been poor, nor do I plan on making any excuses. It was only after my Spring 2019 semester that I realized that the reason for my poor grades was very simple: I had very poor study skills. After my first suspension, I was told I had to enroll in a Study Skills class in an attempt to help me raise my grades. It wasn’t until halfway through the semester that I realized I had not used any of these skills in my previous, or current, classes and that if I wanted to see true change in my grades, all I had to do was change my study habits with better ones provided to me in the Study Skills course. Unfortunately, it had been too late for me in half of my classes, and while I tried my best to raise my grades in the last half of the semester, I needed to attain near-perfect grades in my remaining tests and finals in order to pass these classes. I will also admit that I was not determined to do my best in any of my classes, and I wanted to get by doing the bare minimum. I also had no sense of time management either, and would wait until the last minute to do any studying, homework, or projects. However, after taking Study Skills, and applying proper time-management, study and test taking skills, I felt better in the way I could handle all my classes and saw a difference in performance with most of my overall test grades and project grades.

I truly want to succeed in college and I want to graduate from xxx. Classes have been tough, but I know I am capable of learning the subjects and succeeding. Although I may have struggled with all my engineering classes, I still plan on majoring in Computer Engineering as it is the one major I truly do enjoy learning, although it may not have reflected in my grades. I want to make my family, as well as myself, proud by becoming the first generation college graduate. I’ve been working a full time job this summer, a part time job, as well as taking an online course at xxx Community College. Working at a warehouse everyday, seeing the people in the offices nearby working on projects made me realize that this isn’t what I want to do all my life. After this summer, I realized I want to study and work somewhere where I can truly make a difference. Working 60+ hours a week, on top of the immense disappointment in myself for being suspended from school, made me realize that I should take my studies more seriously, because I am capable of so much more than just working at a warehouse packing boxes. If I am given the chance to return to xxx, I will do everything in my power to prevent myself from walking the same path of failure again.

I plan on using all my resources and previous knowledge from my Study Skills class to see myself succeed in the Fall 2019 semester. This means going to any office hours if I have any questions, attending all my classes, and going to study/review sessions when they’re available. I also plan to study according to my Study Skills class. This means taking time out of my day to read the material, organize my notes, as well as doing any recommended assignments. I’ll also be doing my homework and projects ahead of time so that I can pace myself and minimize mistakes and ask questions in class if I need to. I plan on retaking Differential Equations, Circuit Analysis I, Digital Design, as well as taking Intro to Computing III in the Fall semester. By retaking, and passing, these 3 classes, I should be able to increase my current GPA from 1.6 to well above 2.0 which will leave me in Academic Good Standing. Circuit Analysis I has been the class that has really dragged my GPA down, as I have retaken this class 4 times, so once I pass this class in the Fall Semester, my GPA should noticeably improve. However, I also plan on keeping a clean record of my grades after the Fall 2019 semester and also plan on not retaking any further classes. In order to do so, I will keep up my study habits, budget my time wisely every day so that i’m not behind, and use all my resources the school and professors will provide me so that I can become successful. I will do anything I need to do to succeed, because I am tired of seeing myself fail semester after semester. On top of my plan to study more everyday and become more responsible with my classes, I have gained the determination to see myself succeed. Where before I only wanted to pass, now I want to learn and grow. I have a plan that i’m willing to execute and follow step-by-step in order to pass my classes and increase my GPA. I’m willing to see my mistakes, and learn from them. And now that I have been suspended from school for a second time, I want to return, study, and graduate now more than ever before. I hope that you will give me one last opportunity to correct my mistakes, and I will demonstrate what I can truly do now that I have the skills necessary to study, learn, and succeed.

Sincerely,
STUDENT

2

Edit OUT 70% of the above. Don’t speculate on what your grades might be. That’s pointless.This letter should be short, to the point, and focusing on action items to improve your academic performance.

I wills say this: Your comment about taking Circuit Analysis four times is very alarming. It leads me to believe this is not the field for you, and no amount of organization and/or “spending time wisely” is going to help. The same class taken – and not passed – four times is a major red flag. My advice is that you need to re-think your academic plans, and chose another path. The school has no reason to believe you will finish this one.

3

I agree with katliamom. I understand your hopes with the appeal but think you should consider the possibility that a break from school might be helpful. You can start fresh after some time. A new school means fresh start with GPA ( though your transcript follows you). You could go to community college, prove yourself, and then return to a 4 year program. This school already gave you a break by allowing you to stay despite a suspension. I am not sure they will approve an appeal so you can return to a major you are struggling with. Taking time off to re-evaluate your goals sounds like a good idea. Good luck…

4

If they let you return, it will not be to study this major. What else are you interested in? Why not take some different courses at a CC and go from there? You may discover both a passion and a new aptitude.

5

You don’t have a plan- this is an exercise in wishing and hoping. Of course you need to learn better time management. Of course you need to focus so you don’t fall behind. Etc.

Big hug to you. Why this major- and why not study something that will be less frustrating/plays to your strengths???

6

Thank you for the actual letter review. I learned through my Study Skills course how to hetter handle my time and study better. Honestly, my only plan is to just focus on my schoolwork more and not be distracted. How could I reword my plan paragraph better to make it seem like I actual will stick to my plan? A day by day scenario?

I plan on keeping this major because it really does interest me and I like to learn about computers. Im good with math and this plays a lot with math, but topics like electricity and signals can be a bit hazy when I first learned them.

7

“How could I reword my plan paragraph better to make it seem like I actual will stick to my plan? A day by day scenario?”

You need to be VERY specific, e.g. “I will visit my professor during office hours EVERY WEEK”, not “if I have a question”. Instead of “attending all my classes”, how about “I will have perfect attendance and will be directly accountable to my advisor via biweekly meetings”.

Hopefully it wasn’t Illinois taxpayers who funded your four rounds of Circuit Analysis, but whoever it was is owed a letter of both thank you and apology. I would add to your “plan” that, if reinstated, you will commit to hiring an outside tutor in order to complete this class once and for all. That’s in addition to perfect attendance and visiting that professor’s office hours each week.

If it is your frat or party dorm that is keeping you from studying, then get yourself out of that environment. Conversely, if you are in your own apartment, you need to get yourself back into the dorms. Make that a firm part of the reinstatement agreement. As Einstein said, “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, but expecting different results”.

Your letter is too vague. You need to be more concise and specific throughout. Without a medical excuse or family emergency, your underperformance comes down to immaturity. Say it and move on (don’t lace your letter throughout with excuses). Your “plan” must be detailed, more “I will” and less hoping, dreaming, and “planning to”. It must show accountability. More importantly, you have to stick to it or you will be expelled. There isn’t going to be a third chance.

I would form a Plan B in case there is no second chance.

8

Dont really no why who paid matters, but I had to take out loans for the 2 years I was at school. I really do appreciate the help though, rephrasing everything from “if and when” to “I will”. You are exactly right, I was very immature and ill prepared for the difficulties of University. I don’t personally believe I was making excuses throughout the letter however, could you please clarify how I was? I’ll probably completely rewrite the letter from the 3rd paragraph however, and i’ll try to be more concrete with everything. Again, I really do appreciate the feedback with this. I’m ready to grow up and do the work. Plain and simple

9

“I do not have any reason as to why my grades have been poor, nor do I plan on making any excuses.”

“I realized that the reason for my poor grades was very simple: I had very poor study skills.”

“it had been too late for me in half of my classes”

“I was not determined to do my best in any of my classes, and I wanted to get by doing the bare minimum”

“I… would wait until the last minute to do any studying, homework, or projects”

“Classes have been tough”

I would revise your entire letter:
Paragraph 1: your academic history, acknowledge you were immature and made mistakes, take responsibility and let them know you are motivated to put it behind you.

Paragraph 2: Actionable steps you will take, how soon and how often you are going to take them, and to whom you will hold yourself accountable. Again, if living environment is part of the problem, address that and change it.

Paragraph 3: (short and sweet) Thanks for your consideration. Please give me one more chance.

10

On the point above about Circuit Design… Not all universities house couple Computer Science and Engineering. I think you might actually look to this as an opportunity to find a university with a 4 year degree in the software side of computer science. Some universities have 2 computer programs one with the engineering focus and one focusing on the hardware part. If I were you, I would see if that is an option where you are as well. The same class 4 times either means you weren’t showing up at all, or that even with repetition, the material just isn’t clicking. If those are the case, this is more than just poor study skills.

11

I agree…you should seriously consider if Comp E is for you if you cannot get pass circuits…are you even allowed to take it again?
"A student may “attempt” a course a total of four times (i.e., a student may repeat a course up to three times). "
https://www.siue.edu/policies/1j2.shtml

You seem to be suffering from magical thinking…
You didn’t study much the first semester…even after you got poor grades on Test 1 you didn’t do anything differently…nor after test 2 . then when you saw your grades…you kept doing the same thing.
You also didn’t change anything after the first semester.
With your Circuits class…you have also failed it 4 times.

SO…is this the right major for you? What about a BA in CS instead that doesn’t require circuits?

read this: http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-life/1920853-college-is-a-step-up-from-hs-16-tips-on-doing-well-in-college.html

I agree…get more specific in the things you would do.
Get a tutor. https://www.siue.edu/lss/tutoring/

Look at the Academic support services:
https://www.siuecougars.com/athleteservices/AcademicSuccessProgram.pdf in section Campus-Wide Academic Services

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A successful appeal must do several things:

  1. show that you understand what went wrong
  2. show that you take responsibility for the academic failures
  3. show that you have a plan for future academic success
  4. in a broad sense, show that you are being honest with yourself and the committee

Here are some examples:

http://collegeapps.about.com/od/Academic-Dismissals/a/Sample-Appeal-Letter-For-An-Academic-Dismissal.htm

Some of this is general, and some specific to your situation.

  1. search this topic on CC and you will see many other posts on academic appeals
  2. Make sure your letter states what the issue was that caused you to have academic difficulties
  3. Did you talk to your professors/dean of students about the issue?
  4. Did you make use of the many resources your school has? if not, why not?
  5. Find out what those resources are…e.g. counseling center, talking to professors, talking to your adviser, withdrawing from class, talking to dean, maybe taking incompletes. Include specifics from your college. Here are more ideas http://talk.qa.collegeconfidential.com/college-life/1920853-college-is-a-step-up-from-hs-16-tips-on-doing-well-in-college.html
  6. State how you would use those in the future
  7. How are you addressing what caused the issue?
  8. Think about if you should continue at college, or take a break.
  9. Think about if you should continue at a community college, to be close to your family
  10. 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.

12

Not just some “plan.” You have to show what you’ve already begun. “I will” can be seen as an empty promise, if it’s all you can offer. Especially when there’s already been a second chance and the results didn’t happen.

13

I would not get your hopes up. And you already have debt to pay back for a transcript that does not look good.

I agree with the poster who said you are suffering from magical thinking.

It may seem like some of us are being negative but believe me, we are trying to help. Take a break and regroup. You don’t have a diagnosis or family tragedy or really any reason for not doing well. I understand the study skills class helped you. You can use it at CC and work your way back into this school.

I hope the board makes the best decision for you, whether that means a no or a yes.

As for the letter:
-thank you for the chance to write this appeal……
-I took a study skills class and began to implement it halfway through last semester and saw results, but it was too late to raise my GPA for that semester
-I hope to continue with those skills in studying and time management, meet with an advisor weekly………….(whatever your plan)… and hope to raise my grades over the entire next semester
-please let me know what else I could provide and thank you for your time