Academic Dismissal Appeal Letter

Students who are dismissed from college due to poor grades may have encountered circumstances outside of the norm that contributed to their drop in grades. In such a case, it is a good idea for a student to write an academic dismissal appeal letter. Scheduling a face-to-face meeting with someone in the Academic Appeals and Probation Department is often the best option if it is possible.

Format and Content

A student who has been dismissed from college due to failing grades should briefly explain the reasons that caused the poor grades. The academic dismissal appeal letter format should list the chain of events that lead to failing grades in chronological order.It is important for the student to be honest, not blame others for the situation, explain a plan for returning to school and succeeding if given a second chance and be polite when making the request.

Sample

This student missed classes and study time due to the fact that he had to help out at home when his father had a heart attack. The time he spent away from classes and studying caused his grades to drop to the point of failing. This academic dismissal appeal letter sample explains his situation and requests a chance to return to school and demonstrate his ability to make good grades now that his father is on the mend.

Dear Dr. Beauregard,

I am writing this letter for the purpose of appealing my dismissal from XYZ University. I received the dismissal letter yesterday and would like to have the opportunity to explain my circumstances and plead my case for reinstatement for one more semester. I am confident that I will be able to demonstrate my usual academic performance if given a second chance.

Three weeks into the semester my father had a massive heart attack. He had open heart surgery and did eventually make a full recovery; however I was needed at home during his convalescence. My parents own a hardware store which I had to help run until my father recovered and was able to return to the business. The store is located 2 hours from campus; therefore I spent a lot of time on the road when not in class or working in the store. I simply could not keep up and was so overwhelmed by everything that I failed to discuss my situation with any of my professors. In hindsight, I realize that it was a mistake not to talk to my professors.

My father is now completely recovered, on a strict diet and exercise regimen and has returned to running the hardware store. If you look at the grades I earned all of the other semesters that I have attended XYZ University, you will see that the grades I made this last semester are very unusual for me. I implore you to give me one more chance to be the student I know that I can be.

Respectfully,

Jeff Rodgers