So, I just received a letter in the mail from my university stating that I am currently on a federal financial aid suspension (meaning that I have lost all of my aid, grants and scholarships) due to my gpa not meeting the required minimum. I have decided to appeal this process and am looking for some help in understanding what exactly counts as ‘extenuating circumstances’ and figuring out how to compose my letter. During my first semester I was able to achieve the require minimum (2.0) GPA; I received a 2.2. Second semester I had taken 16 credit hours, failed two courses, and achieved a 1.5. During second semester I was faced with drama between me and some other female students. They were constantly threatening me and I was in danger. The school intervened and eventually enacted a no contact order (restraining order) between said individuals and I. The individuals were threatening to wait outside of all of my classes and even my dorm to fight me. 'Twas a pretty traumatic experience. The restraining order (imposed by the school btw, not police) is still in order. So to sum up a few of my questions: Is this grounds for an appeal?( since my life was actually being threatened) If so, should I see a therapist, discuss said experience, and ask for a letter from my therapist to support my case? If this is not grounds for an appeal, what other options do I have to get my financial aid back? Could completing summer courses replace/repair said failed grades?
You might want to consider seeing a therapist anyway…not as a reaction to getting this letter about not meeting satisfactory academic progress. Just explaining this to a therapist is likely NOT going to be sufficient to get any sort of letter from a therapist. You probably would need more ongoing work with a therapist to get any sort of supporting document from them.
You need to find out what your school appeal process is. You will need to follow that process.
You will at least be asked to write a letter…it should include…
- a brief description of your extenuating circumstances. Stick to the facts, and make it to the point.
- What you already have done to help correct this issue (getting a restraining order is fine...but what have YOU done to prevent this situation from reoccurring?).
- What you will continue to do in the upcoming term(s) somthat your grades will improve.
Send your letter and see.
The issue you have…you didn’t exactly have a high GPA your first term.
But find out what the appeal process is…and do that today.
In addition, find out what you need to do IF your appeal is denied…of you do want to return to that college in the future.
@gearmom Check your school’s policy for replacing grades. And maybe check in with your academic advisor. Also maybe think about other career possibilities.
Should be ^@michaelaip