Does anyone have advice for Plebe who faces Academic Board due to 2 failed classes and is referred for separation ? HE DOES NOT WANT TO LEAVE ! First few weeks were rough, uncertain on commitment, etc. As a result struggled through Physics and Calc but never caught up despite help from instructors. He has heard all the rumors about no setbacks with RADM Green and feels that there's no hope. What advice can I pass on to him besides writing a statement on his commitment and desire to remain, asking for a chance to prove himself ? Who is there for him to talk to for advice ?
Okay so the first thing is the advice offered in response at the other by KPEngineer:
I assume the recommendation for separation was on the the grade sheet? Assuming things still work the same, that is automatically put there by the computer based on the two Fs in combination with a GPA that I'm sure is under 2.0 so don't panic ... yet.
I have seen people come back from two Fs if given the chance, but your mid has to have a real plan with real changes that he/she can document in a letter. How will he/she change their study habits, what tutors will he/she utilize, what extracurricular activities will he/she give up? The more specifics in a letter the better. Subjective statements about serving my country and working harder probably wont cut it.
is a good place to start, IMO.
In addition - the first thing that has to be addressed, if he really wants to stay, is:
"He has heard all the rumors about no setbacks with RADM Green and feels that there's no hope."
Your son needs to resolve at this point to not give up until his options for staying are fully exhausted. As KPEngineer noted, he needs to step back and figure out what hes learned over the past 16 weeks as to what he needs to do and what additional changes he'll need to make in order to successfully graduate if he's given a second chance. Odds are whether you believe it or not he probably already knows what he needs to do differently and he also knows that at this point in time because of his failing two classes the decision as to whether he gets another chance is indeed basically in the hands of Dean Kumar and Admiral Green. The area of that decision that is subjective on their part will no doubt be affected by how maturely and resolutely your DS approaches these next couple of weeks and what he puts in his letter to them for his appeal. Specifics on what he will do differently and how he will a) change his behaviors and make up the failed classes if he is allowed to return for the Second Trimester, as well as commitments from tutors to help him, etc to ensure he doesn't fail any other classes during the second trimester and as noted how and where he'll get the time to ensure that happens (abandoning various extra-curricular activities until his grades are back into a safe area (2.5 or above), etc. I'd also recommend he have a detailed plan on what he would do relative to attending a local college and retaking the courses he failed, etc. and taking a relatively full course load for the remainder of this academic year if he is offered a setback - including details that show he's actually identified where he'd go and when those courses are offered.
I wish your son all the good thoughts in the world in his quest to remain at the USMMA, no doubt because of the large size of the 2014 entering class the rigor of this process may be more than some past years. That said these are not heartless people who don't understand how tough the challenges are and the transition from high school to a top level of college academics crammed into what is basically a 14 week semester. However, they have multiple things to now consider when looking at each individual case before them and deciding how to define and apply the standards. That said while there is now only so much that remains in your DS own hands, one thing that does remain so is how throughly and energetically they ready themselves and approach their upcoming review board. Abandoning all hope and throwing themselves on the "mercy of the court" isn't likely to be a way to go; nor is pointing out how they are now committed to doing well, while in the past they were trying decide if they truly wanted to be at KP without additional specific actions and plans.
Finally, all those specifics need to be put on paper in a well written, 100% grammatically correct, error free letter to the Superintendent and the Dean. I'm talking one that is in total accord with the MLA handbook, etc.
Again - best of luck.