When you send your student off to college you hope and assume that he will be successful. Most students are successful and do well. However, some students struggle – either socially or academically. No parent wants to receive the news that his or her student has been academically dismissed from college because of poor performance. It is distressing and disheartening news. But it does happen, and parents need to help students deal with the situation. Although you may be disappointed, and possibly angry, your response may be a large factor in helping your student move forward.
Here are some things to consider if your college student is academically dismissed from college.
What does academic dismissal mean?
A student may be academically dismissed from a school for failure to make “satisfactory academic progress”. This may mean various things and may be defined differently by different schools. Generally, it means either that the student’s GPA or Grade Point Average is too low (she received poor grades) or that she has not made satisfactory progress by completing enough credits (she dropped or withdrew from too many courses each semester). A student who does not make satisfactory progress may then be dismissed or told that she can no longer be enrolled in the college.
Should your student appeal the decision?
In some cases, a college may allow a student to appeal the decision to dismiss. The purpose of the appeal is usually to allow the student to explain extenuating circumstances or to provide additional information that may not have been available at the time that the decision was made. He may be able to demonstrate that some circumstance has changed – perhaps a health situation, work situation, family situation, or even a change of focus or field of study. It is important that you and your student remember, however, that an appeal is meant as an exception and to demonstrate extraordinary circumstances. It is not meant as an avenue simply because the student is unhappy with the decision of the college. An appeal may not be in the best interest of the student.
Should your student apply immediately to another college?
If your student is dismissed, his first thought, and yours, may be to apply immediately to another school. This may be appropriate. However, before doing that, you and your student may need to consider what factors caused the problems that warranted his dismissal. Jumping immediately back in may not be the best solution.
Has your student taken time to reassess?
A student who is academically dismissed from college is not doomed to failure. You may need to help your student view this as a time to reassess his abilities, behaviors, and priorities. He was originally admitted to the college because of his abilities and potential, but something has prevented him from living up to that potential. Now is a time to step back and reevaluate. Before you and your student decide to immediately appeal the dismissal or to apply to a different school, consider carefully whether taking a break may be the best course of action for your student.
Would some time out be beneficial?
An academic dismissal from college happens for a reason. Something has prevented your student from succeeding. She may need your support more than ever now to think about how to proceed and how to use her time off. For many dismissed students, taking a break from their current routine and setting may be the best path to success, even if it involves an unexpected detour. Your student may decide to spend a year working to gain experience and perspective. Your student may decide to take a course or two at a local community college to achieve some success and/or explore a new area of study. Your student may need to move back home for a semester or a year to achieve some balance and focus. How you respond to this situation will help your student know how to respond. Helping your student see this as an important, if unplanned, step in her path will help her to use the time constructively.
Should your student apply for readmission or reinstatement?
In most cases of academic dismissal, the student may be eligible to apply for readmission or reinstatement after a certain period of time. This is different from appealing the decision at the time of dismissal. One thing that your student will have had time to consider during his time off is whether or not he wants to return to the same institution or to transfer to another college. If he wants to return, he should check the policy of his college. Most schools require that a student “sit out” for a semester or a year. When students apply for readmission, the college may be looking for certain factors. They will be looking for indications from the student that things will be different if he returns. He may be asked to submit a personal statement giving a compelling argument that he has addressed whatever challenges he had prior to dismissal. They may be looking for successful completion of some credits at a community college or some other institution. They may ask whether social, family, or personal issues have been addressed.
Is your student prepared for a fresh start?
If your student has used time off from his college productively, he may be ready to return to school with a renewed focus and a new outlook. Many students who have been dismissed return to their previous college – or another college – and are completely successful. Helping your student see this time as an opportunity rather than a set-back will mean that he can use the time off to his advantage. This may not be the path that either of you originally had in mind, but it may be a path that, in the long run, will be most beneficial to your student. Having your support as a parent will help him to discover and accomplish his goals.
Related Posts:
What FERPA Means for You and Your College Student
How Parents Can Help College Students Value Their Mistakes
Helping Your College Student Avoid “How Do I Tell My Parents?” Fears
What to Say to Your College Student Who is In Trouble, Dismissed, or On Probation
Academically Dismissed from College? Time for a Reset
Academically Dismissed from College? Ten Steps to Move On
Jerrod, I am not sure that I have any advice to give you. It seems as though your two options are to try to return to the program which you have almost completed or begin again at a different institution. Obviously the first option would be best.
How much have you discussed this with someone at the institution? Some programs will readmit you after you spend some time away. Can you retake the courses in which you earned the C and C+? If the policies of the program have standards and are clear, and if you have not maintained those standards, your option is to try to negotiate with the school to see if there is any circumstance under which they would readmit you.
I am sorry I cannot offer more. Best of luck.
Vicki,
I was academically dismissed from my previous institution George Washington University graduate program with one class short of completing the program. During my time at George Washington University I had also had to deal with combat related mental health issues without a proper support system during my time at the university along with financial issues too. Additionally, I was accused of academic plagiarism in my 2nd semester of my first year without any prior history of academic plagiarism at the university. After months of appealing the decision the outcome didn’t come out in my favor; even though I plead my case through all the proper channels. However, I was not kick out the school or the program was punished with F in the course and the badge of shame on my transcript. I continued to try to get my GPA back to a 3.0 but ended up with two C and C+ which killed my chances at getting my GPA back to a 3.0. In end, the university made a decision to terminate my continuation at the university with a GPA of 2.68 and 6 credit hours over the 40 credit hours to graduation requirement. I have been looking for options how to move forward to complete my master degree to remain competitive in the field.
Andrew – I’m afraid that I don’t have any easy answers for you. You’ve certainly struggled mightily in trying to succeed, but it seems as though too many things are getting in your way right now. Perhaps taking a little more time off until you feel ready and balanced to finish school? Some people need time to find the right frame of mind. Transferring might be an option, but depending on the grades in your classes, many credits might not transfer. You might see if there is anyone at GW, perhaps in the Dean’s office, who could help you formulate a plan to be able to successfully complete. Be prepared that it might require taking some time.
In the meantime, find something meaningful to do. Take the time to find your balance and direction and then investigate how to continue. You may also discover things about yourself and your interests during your time away.
Be patient. Good luck.
Vicki,
Hi I was just academically dismissed from my previous home institution George Washington University. I suffered a lot of personal family issues and mental health struggles during my final years. My GPA declined due to difficulty of coping with external factors, and a loss of purpose. I originally came in pre-med but realized I didn’t want to be a doctor. I felt it was too late and tried to continue on with courses I wasn’t prepared for.
I got suspended once. Took time off, took classes non-matriculated and got a 3.5 GPA taking 14 credits. I was readmitted to GWU. They said I only have 3 semesters left to raise my GPA before another suspension. The first semester I had my mental issues come up again and I had to withdraw that semester. The 2nd semester I was allowed to come back after seeing a mental health doctor and did well. I had a 3.0 gpa fall 14 semester. The next semester I did poorly because they were all upper level electives. The school suspended me before giving me my 3rd semester to show improvement.
I have accrued over 100 credits, but my gpa is still below a 2.o I have been looking for answers on how to finish my degree. Thanks again for any help!
Ramos – I’d suggest talking to the admission office at the school you’d like to attend. Ask them what to do. Most colleges ask that you submit all previous transcripts, so they would expect to see yours. And if even one or two courses transfer, that would give you a bit of a start on credits. What you should include with your application is a letter explaining what happened and why you know your experience will be different this time around. Colleges understand that circumstances change and students grow.
Good luck!
Matt – Thank you so much for returning 2 years later and making your comment. It is a wonderful story and is so exciting to hear. I hope many, many students have an opportunity to read this comment and hear your story. Do you mind if I share a portion or it in a post or article? It is so encouraging.
Good luck to you as you explore your options and move forward to graduate school!
Vicki,
I posted on here a long time ago (7/4/13) and I just wanted to share my experience since that awful time in college and life I described. Maybe it would give some insight to others? Well I ended up taking about a year off and worked at my full time job and I even got some volunteer work on my resume for a great organization that sends medical equipment around the world to those living in extreme poverty. I could not have made a better decision. Not only did taking the time off give me more insight into what my goals are, but it allowed me to get motivated again. I ended up applying to some “safety” schools and some schools I thought might be a bit of a stretch. I grew up in the state of Washington and my dream school in High School was Washington State University. I’ve had mentors and peers go to WSU and I’ve always been a die hard Cougs fan. Well, after being dismissed from USF I didn’t have much to lose! So I applied. Out of all of the schools I applied to I was accepted to all of them, even WSU. Here’s why I think they all gave me a chance: I took the time away from my studies and was able to show admissions that I had learned from my experiences. I was able to present to them a solid reason why I would be worth the “risk” and that is because I was determined and I wasn’t a quitter. I wrote a letter to every admissions department even when it wasn’t required and explained in detail how I had moved passed that awful time in my life and how I could contribute to their community. I was accepted, again after being academically dismissed, at Kansas State University, West Virginia University, Weber State University, Washington State University, and the University of Washington. After the acceptance letters came in I was in total shock! How? Why would they admit ME after my horrible record at my previous college?! Well, I am very proud to share that I graduated with my B.A. in Social Science with a minor in Gerontology from Washington State University last May. Now I am taking my own advice and taking another year off before I pursue my Graduate degree in Social Work or Counseling (Still deciding). I just wanted to share my experience so that others posting here might know that it’s not the end of the world. There is life after academic dismissal. Just keep at it and never give up! Thanks!
Matt
Hi,
I was academically dismissed from a four year public college because of familial issues. I had it appealed twice, but since my conditions at home were not getting better, neither was my gpa. The dean finally dismissed me. I’ve taken a year off to work and get myself better situated. I now live with roommates and found more stability in my life. I’d like to go back to school but am unsure how to go about it. Can I apply to another college as a freshman and use my highschool transcript? I feel there is no point in transferring since my gpa in college was a .67.
Rood –
I’m glad you found the article helpful. The main things that should be in an appeal letter are honesty and ownership of the situation and also a plan for making things different the next time. Good luck!
Hey. Your article is very helpful. So was some of the comments.
Just wondering if you can give me some hints on how to write a great appeal letter. I have one now but I feel like it needs some more work
Yoli,
The important thing to know is that you don’t necessarily need to go through this process alone. Turn to whatever friends, family, or other support system that you have and let them help you work through this time.
Also, be patient. You don’t need to do everything all at once. It sounds as though taking a break from school until you have time to sort through other things might help.
Have patience with yourself. Give yourself time. Turn to friends/family who can help you.
John,
The best and most direct thing to do is to talk directly to the admissions office of the school that you want to attend. They can look at your transcript and tell you what you would need to do to apply and be admitted. Raising your GPA always helps, but may not be necessary.
Hi, I was recently academically dismissed from graduate school, and reapplied for another one right away but was not accepted. I just became seriously depressed after going through a separation, and some other personal things, to include working full time as well. How can I recover from this? Can I recover from this?
Hi there, I was academically dismissed from the university I went to my freshman year. I then came back home to for my second year at a community college. I got readmitted to the school I got dismissed from but really want to go to a university in the city by my house because it’s cheaper only reason I am going back is so I could raise my GPA on my transcripts or I don’t have to do that?
Michael,
I am not an expert on financial aid, but my two suggestions would be to complete the FAFSA if you haven’t already done so (necessary for almost all kinds of aid and needs to be completed each year) and to contact the financial aid office at the school your daughter will be attending. They will certainly be able to give you guidance and up-to-date information.