<p>If you do in fact get dismissed, you may be offered the chance to appeal your dismissal and be reinstated if this is the first time. You will be informed of the appeal procedure. Follow it to the letter. At many colleges, it involves a mandatory meeting with your academic advisor and the development of a specific plan (i.e. retaking courses in which you received low grades; utilizing college services such as tutoring; reducing the number of hours worked at a job; reducing the number of credits you take each semester; etc.) to which you are held if you return. You also must write an essay in which you explain why your GPA is so low (don’t say it’s someone else’s fault) and what will be different about your behavior next semester if the college lets you stay. Your essay should focus on taking responsibility and showing insight into how you got into your current position, along with a realistic plan for improving your performance. If you had medical problems or family difficulties (bereavement, etc.), provide documentation and mention them in your letter. However, you must explain how you will overcome them and be successful in the future.</p>
<p>The timetable on appeals can be quick. The deadline is sometimes only a week or two after the close of the semester. Contact your advisor or department chair immediately to arrange an advising meeting if, in fact, you are dismissed. And letters from sources outside the college, unless they are medical documentation or the like, are not at all helpful or relevant.</p>