This summer I began a graduate school program consisting of two 5-week summer semesters, a fall semester, and a spring semester. My first semester was a 5-week summer semester requiring 3 classes. I received two B-'s and one B resulting in a 2.78 GPA. The grad school program requires a 3.0 after each semester. For some reason I thought it was a 3.0 for graduation which was my fault.
I had a one-week break after summer semester before fall semester. Less than one hour before my first class of fall semester I received an email from the dean of the university informing me not to go to class because I was being terminated from the program. I was surprised and heartbroken. I was so excited for my program at my dream school.
I chatted with the dean of my specific program and associate dean/professor and they seemed to be on my side. In fact, the dean of my program said he was notified my GPA fell below a 3.0 and was wondering if I resolved things with my professor leading me to believe he didn’t even think I would be terminated. The associate dean was surprised as well because he has only seen people terminated for failing classes.
They advised me to appeal the termination and officially report my health issues to the school then use that as part of my appeal. I have ADD and anxiety but did not report it to the school because in the past I have not taken advantage of resources such as extended time and been fine. Looking back, I guess I need it in graduate school. The dean of my program said my professors noticed I was very anxious but there was no record of anxiety. I didn’t report that mainly out of embarrassment, but I should have looking back. I was getting off anxiety medication at the time which contributed to my performance. I moved from a pretty conservative part of the country where mental health was not discussed and stigmatized to an openminded area for graduate school.
I had my psychiatrist write a letter stating I am now in good mental health to continue. My mental health also went downhill because I just moved to a new city alone for the first time and did not have access to my psychiatrist as much as before and was still working on finding a new one in the area. I also appealed the decision due to not having access to my grades in one of my classes. My professor accidentally muted me from seeing my grades, so I had no idea I had a B-. I had an A until the final presentation which I received a D on.
I received an email today stating they sympathize with the challenges I faced during my semester, but my appeal has been denied because my 2.78 GPA falls well below the 3.0 GPA requirement. This just seems crazy to me and I am in shock a graduate school would kick a student out so abruptly then deny the appeal even with the health explanation. Should I keep fighting or just move on? Thank you!
Hard to say, without more information about the state, whether private or state college, and its appeal process.
Could you ask for probation?
Is there an Ombudsman for your college?
Are there any lawyers who could advise you? Some lawyers help when a student is facing college disciplinary, Title IX proceedings. Maybe check with your psychiatrist if there is NAMI chapter to explore rights of people who use mental health services?
The college’s standards and appeal process should be in the course catalogue or website. Options for suspension, probation, will vary by college and possibly by program. The types of evidence/support of graduate major advisor, etc., whether you may request a hearing in person- vary by college.
How long ago did this occur ?
I am aware of a similiar situation–without the health issues which should help any appeal–and may have an approach for you to consider.
P.S. I think that it may be the same university & program.
Are you a recent college graduate ?
I am almost positive that I know the university & the particular program, but I need confirmation from OP via PM.
This is weird; most programs at least offer a probation for a semester.
If you’ve already gone through the appeal process, I’m not sure that there is a way for you to keep fighting, OP. I would ask the program what your options for readmission are - some programs require you to spend a year out of school and then you can apply for readmission to the same program.
@Publisher Thank you for reaching out! I just messaged you 
@juillet I have already went through the appeal process. I was surprised they just pretty much said “sorry you had a rough semester, but a 2.78 is below the 3.0 requirement” This “semester” was 5 weeks and one of those weeks was orientation. My grades also weren’t terrible. I thought after explaining that I have now officially reported my mental health/learning disabilities with the school and will utilize resources/I really feel better now that I have adjusted to living away from my friends and family they would give me a chance. I also thought they would simply recognize the ridiculousness of this situation.
As others have said, you need to find someone at the university, perhaps the dean of the program you had started to tell you what to do next.
My son lost a scholarship when his gpa fell below the threshold to keep it. He appealed—denied. No reason is considered valid. You go under, you lose. Simple as that.
Were you originally accepted with some probation period or other conditions?
I’m afraid not realizing a 3.0 was expected each semester is a problem, not a solid excuse. And in effect, your 2nd 5 week course may have been when you were expected to resolve the gpa issue.
Some programs over-enroll and pare down based on performance.
So how can you regroup and find the next opportunity?
I was not accepted with a probation period or other conditions, just as a typical graduate student. The university handbook and the specific college the program is in handbook says a 3.0 is needed by graduation. I guess there is an additional handbook just for my specific degree that says a 3.0 is needed by the end of each semester. The summer courses were “summer session” because of short time period and small amount of credit hours. It’s confusing, but it is my fault for not realizing.
I completed one 5 week summer semester and the second summer semester is completed the following summer (not back to back if that makes sense)