Undergraduate Academic Appeal

The Undergraduate Student Academic Appeal Form should include:

• Why you were unable to clear probation, including any exceptional circumstances outside of your control

• Any pertinent issues you have not previously shared

• Steps you have taken to clear Academic Probation, including resources used

• What you would do to clear Academic Probation if granted another term

Academic difficulty is often a symptom of some other underlying issue(s). Below are some examples of factors that can impact your academic performance. Sometimes students may find that a combination of factors have contributed to their academic difficulty. 

• Adjustment to college life

• Not feeling a sense of belonging or connection to community, friends, family

• Course selection; too many units, an overly challenging combination of courses, or course subjects you lack interest in

• Ineffective study skills or habits; not seeking help or tutoring support

• Personal issues; family, physical/mental health, finances, work, relationships

• Motivational challenges

• Unclear direction or goals; impacting course selection and choice of major

• Pursuing a major that is not a good fit

• Undiagnosed or untreated disability

• Traumatic event

A common question students ask regarding appeals is, “What are my chances?” or “How often do students get to continue on probation?”

Through the Appeals and Reinstatement Committee, each case is truly assessed individually. The chances of being suspended or dismissed are higher if your GPA is significantly below 2.0, if your grades have been on a downward trend, or if you are struggling significantly in your major direction without plans to change. Your submission is a chance to add your voice to the decision and carefully thought-out submissions have changed the way a decision might have otherwise gone. 

It is important, though, to know that even if you follow all of the advice and tips on this page, it does not necessarily mean your chances of being continued on probation will be improved. This page is meant to provide insight on what kind of information is useful to present and to help you understand how to present it.

Remember that it is better to be honest and be suspended or dismissed than present something you think the committee will want to hear only to get trapped on a path you do not want to be on. For example, if you spent your first year struggling in your intended major direction and are not ready to give up trying to succeed in that major, you could use your terms away to work on your study skills for your intended major at a community college and show readiness to continue in that direction when you return. On the other hand, if your submission outlined a plan to change your major direction, you could be continued but restricted from a schedule that would allow you to pursue that major direction.