Academic probation extension appeal?

[DubaiSis]

Can you improve your GPA and avoid probation through summer school? It might be too late for that now, however.

[kateee]

Originally Posted by DubaiSis

Can you improve your GPA and avoid probation through summer school? It might be too late for that now, however.

T

[carnation]

Troll in the dungeon.

[carnation]

Originally Posted by kateee

I wanted to retake my statistics class to improve my GPA and avoid probation but I didn't have the money and *they said I couldn't use loans to cover it.*

Right between the asterisks, AZTheta! Plus we've had to delete some of her recruitment posts.

[SydneyK]

Originally Posted by carnation

Right between the asterisks, AZTheta!

I'm not trying to defend kateee or suggest that she isn't a troll, but it's common for students to deplete their student loan amount over the traditional academic year, leaving no funds available for summer school. As such, it's completely plausible for someone to have told her that her student loans wouldn't cover summer classes.

[Kevin]

Originally Posted by SydneyK

I'm not trying to defend kateee or suggest that she isn't a troll, but it's common for students to deplete their student loan amount over the traditional academic year, leaving no funds available for summer school. As such, it's completely plausible for someone to have told her that her student loans wouldn't cover summer classes.

I've had that happen to me, but I just went and found private loans. No problem. (until it came time to pay).

I would recommend OP sit down and first decide how to organize this letter (unless there's some form I'm unfamiliar with, and this is a huge lane swerve). I'd recommend the following paragraphs:

I. Introduction, OP admits that she has fallen short of the standards, she would do well to mention the standard so that the reviewers know she knows where the mark is.
II. OP should explain what the mitigating circumstances are, i.e., why she failed to meet those standards. Discuss both the previous semester and the current semester. Include any exhibits you might have as evidence, e.g., doctor's notes, prescriptions, things which prove she was really sick and not missing class because XBox One was released and she finds TitanFall to be addictive. Here, she should also explain what she tried to this past semester (tutors, etc.) and why those didn't work. Provide documentation.
III. She should come up with a specific regimen for herself for next semester. She will then be on double-secret probation in all likelihood, so this should basically be the plan the sorority should adopt to ensure she succeeds this semester. I would recommend things such as not being allowed to miss a single class for any reason except for health (which must be documented with a doctor's note) or other emergencies which must be approved by someone in a position of authority; the use of tutors; retaking classes which have adversely impacted her GPA; the requirement. Whatever. She should come up with a plan and expect to be held to it.

I think that's a winning plan for such a letter. However OP organizes it, it needs to have those things.

[navane]

Originally Posted by Kevin

I would recommend OP sit down and first decide how to organize this letter (unless there's some form I'm unfamiliar with, and this is a huge lane swerve). I'd recommend the following paragraphs:

I. Introduction, OP admits that she has fallen short of the standards, she would do well to mention the standard so that the reviewers know she knows where the mark is.

II. OP should explain what the mitigating circumstances are, i.e., why she failed to meet those standards. Discuss both the previous semester and the current semester. Include any exhibits you might have as evidence, e.g., doctor's notes, prescriptions, things which prove she was really sick and not missing class because XBox One was released and she finds TitanFall to be addictive. Here, she should also explain what she tried to this past semester (tutors, etc.) and why those didn't work. Provide documentation.

III. She should come up with a specific regimen for herself for next semester. She will then be on double-secret probation in all likelihood, so this should basically be the plan the sorority should adopt to ensure she succeeds this semester. I would recommend things such as not being allowed to miss a single class for any reason except for health (which must be documented with a doctor's note) or other emergencies which must be approved by someone in a position of authority; the use of tutors; retaking classes which have adversely impacted her GPA; the requirement. Whatever. She should come up with a plan and expect to be held to it.

I think that's a winning plan for such a letter. However OP organizes it, it needs to have those things.

I have/had 8 years of experience as an Academic Adviser at a major university. I dealt with students like kateee on a daily basis. In my professional opinion, nothing she is saying is out of the ordinary.


I am quoting Kevin's post because I think he put up a solid suggestion. It follows a key format: 1) Accept responsibility 2) Explain what happened 3) Describe what you plan to do to make things better in the future.


When my students faced having to write an appeal letter to the Dean, they often felt overwhelmed and struggled to find a starting point. I always suggested that they consider writing their narrative in something of a chronological format. "Back in fall 2013 this happened.....then in spring 2014 I attempted to......but by the end of the spring 2014 semester I found myself in this position........now going forward into fall 2014 I am planning to......" I found that writing in a chronological format helped many students to focus their statement and kept them from spiraling off into left field on some tangent.

[als463]

One thing I also wanted to add to this was that there are resources for the OP. Katee, please consider registering with your campus disability services office. That office on your campus can be a great resource and you can possibly get special accommodations for taking exams and your school work if you have documentation that you suffer from a mental health condition such as depression or anxiety. Because Greek life membership is for life, I actually commend you for wanting to stay involved while bringing up your grades. Good luck.