If you’ve been placed on Required to Withdraw (RTW) status, you may be thinking of appealing that decision.
Our goal at UFV is to help you move toward academic success. In many cases, students find that time away from UFV helps them to return with more focus and better supports in place. It may be in your best interest to take some time away from UFV to reflect on your education and why you’re pursuing the path you’ve chosen.
Before writing the appeal, consider what is truly best for you. You may want to have an honest conversation with parents, family, friends and other support people in your life to help you decide.
If you choose to submit an RTW appeal, there are several things you should know:
Write the appeal yourself, in your own words. Do not use AI, templates or pre-written scripts. Write in a clear, concise way using academic-level grammar and punctuation.
Reflect on the actions you took when you were placed on Academic Warning and Academic Probation. Were those actions helpful? If not, what could you have done differently?
Discuss the supports you’ve been using at UFV and how you’ve been working to improve your GPA over the past several semesters. For example, have you met with Advising, the Student Support Centre, peer tutors, attended your instructor’s office hours, dropped in at the Math & Stats Centre, etc?
Show a strong connection between what happened in the past few semesters and why you feel you were unable to achieve a 2.0 GPA. What challenges did you encounter? How did you respond to those challenges? What actions did you take?
Include a summary of the things that happened that were outside of your control (extenuating circumstances). How did you manage the things you were able to control?
Review your educational goals and your course plan for future semester(s).
Avoid asking for “one more chance” or promising to “do better next time.” These are not considered as part of the appeal decision and will not strengthen your case.
Include documentation to support your statements. This documentation will be handled in accordance with UFV’s Privacy Policy.
Follow the Steps For Appealing an RTW Status. Select “RTW Appeal” if you are requesting to return to studies immediately. Choose “RTW Appeal to Return Early” if you have been away from UFV on Required to Withdraw status for at least one semester. Select only one option.
Understand that after you have completed your RTW Appeal the process can take up to 10 business days to receive a decision. Will that timeline allow you to reasonably begin classes next semester? If not, it may be in your best interest to make other arrangements.
Remember, the decision of the Appeals Committee is final as per Policy 92.
We are here to support you:
If you are feeling distressed or worried, or are unsure of how to find support, we want to help. Please connect with the Student Support Centre today. They are a hub for all the supports at UFV and can help you navigate the best options for your situation.
If you’d like to talk about your academic plans, including what you can do if your appeal is not successful, connect with the Academic Advising Centre.
If you are an International student, please connect with the International department immediately to learn how your study permit may be affected by an RTW.
If you have questions about the RTW Appeal process, please read the Undergraduate Continuance Policy (92) and contact the Student Rights & Responsibilities Office for support in navigating the policy.
