Writing Letters in Support of Dismissal Appeals

As has been noted in recent years, the Admissions and Academic Standing Committee relies heavily upon faculty (and staff) letters of support when making their readmission decisions following student dismissals.  Therefore, if you are asked to write such a letter by a student, it is important that you consider the letter you would write carefully.  These issues are important to regard in particular:

• Do you believe the student ought to persist at Monmouth College?  This is fundamental to any good letter of support.  If you do not believe this, then respectfully decline to write the letter. 

• Are you the best person to write the appeal support letter?  Have you known the student long?  In what capacities?  If you don't feel that you can be a strong advocate, respectfully decline to write the letter.

• Can you include objective facts in your letter?  Since these letters are open to student review, you want to be able to chart the accuracy of what you claim in your letter.  If you feel that you cannot clearly do this, respectfully decline to write the letter.

• Has the student allowed you enough time and provided you with enough secondary information to write a persuasive and informed letter?  If not, respectfully decline to write the letter.