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3 Common Examples of Extenuating Circumstances That can Act as a Ground for Academic Dismissal Appeal

Academic dismissals are not uncommon. Whether for cheating, plagiarism, or other serious offenses, dismissal from a university can be humiliating and worrisome. However, every rule has its exceptions and there may be extenuating circumstances that an academic dismissal appeal could take into account. You can click here to know more about the common grounds for academic dismissal appeals.

If you are looking to appeal your academic dismissal and want to know what kind of circumstances might count as extenuating circumstances and act in your favor in the process, you've come to the right place.  

Here are some common examples of extenuating circumstances that can act as a ground for academic dismissal appeal.

1. Financial issues

Financial issues are one of the most common extenuating circumstances in academics. If a student was forced to leave school because of financial difficulties, he or she may be able to submit evidence that points towards financial hardship as the reason for leaving. These circumstances can range from being forced out of a dormitory because of unpaid bills to having loans piling up. Appeals for financial difficulties that aren't due to the student's own negligence, but rather to an unavoidable circumstance can be submitted for consideration.

2. Psychological or medical issues

Students can have medical or psychological conditions that may make it difficult to handle the academic demands of school. These conditions must be reasonable, however, and can either be temporary or chronic in nature. Students who live with or are treated by a medical professional may be able to submit certification from that doctor as well as statements from friends, family members, or professors. Appeals such as these can be helpful in getting academic dismissal overturned.

3. Family crisis or unexpected death in the family

Financial difficulties may not be the only circumstance that can force a student out of school. Family problems and deaths in the family are also possible grounds for dismissal appeals. However, academic institutions will likely want some kind of evidence to back up these claims. Students may have to provide records from the hospital for the deceased along with an explanation of how the loss has impacted the student. Appeals can also be filed when a student's family is involved in a crisis and they are unable to effectively fulfill their extracurricular activities.