Bad Letter

Dear Mr. Soller:

A review of your Fall 2004 semester grades indicates that your Grade Point Average (GPA) for the semester is below 2.000. When a student receives less than a 2.000 GPA in any semester, he or she is placed on academic probation for at least the following semester. Please refer to the Student Handbook for the policies related to academic probation.

My primary purpose in writing is to encourage you to make the adjustments necessary to cure your academic deficiency during the Spring 2005 semester. Any student who fails to achieve a 2.000 GPA in each of two consecutive full academic semesters (not including summer sessions) is automatically academically disqualified. Additionally, a student is automatically academically disqualified when the cumulative GPA at the end of any full academic year falls below 2.000. Please refer to the Student Handboook Section 1, Parts IX and X for more information concerning "Academic Probation" and "Academic Disqualification."

When a student receives less than a 2.000 GPA in a semester, or when a student has been academically disqualified and is readmitted, he or she is on academic probation for at least the following semester (a full academic semester). A student on acadmeic probation may not take any "Credit/No Credit" courses or enroll in any "Creadit/No Credit" honors programs. If you are currently enrolled in any "Credit/No Credit" courses or programs, except an externship, you must contact the Registrar's Office immediately to drop them; your tuition will be fully refunded and no change fee will be charged. If you are currently enrolled in an externship, you must petition the Director of Externships for permission to complete your externship or be dropped from the placement. Also, a student on academic probation may not participate in any Southwestern sponsored associated clubs or activities, including the Student Bar Association and the honors programs, and must immediately resign from all such clubs, activities or programs.

I suggest that you consult with each professor whose course you had last semester in order to help you evaluate your strengths and weaknesses in classroom and academic performance. In addition, you will be assigned to a faculty member who will serve as your advisor for the Spring 2005 semester. In past years, students have found it very helpful to meet on some regular basis with the Faculty Advisor for feedback on, and assistance with, study techniques, time management, exam taking skills, etc. You will receive a letter shortly, advising you of the name of the professor to whom you have been assigned.

You should be aware that experience has demonstrated that excessive outside work adversely affects academic success. Conversely, regular class attendance, thorough preparation and class participation enhance the ability to succeed in law school. Most students on probation are able to correct their academic difficulties and successfully complete the curriculum. You can succeed if you realistically evaluate your difficulties and accept responsibility for them.

You are, of course, welcome to make an appointment with me to discuss any concerns you may have regarding your probationary status. To do so, please feel free to telephone my assistant, Ann Lynn, at (213) 555-5555.

Very truly yours,
Jane Powell
Assistant Dean/Dean of Students