Academic review board

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Proudmom18

5-Year Member
Joined
Mar 29, 2014
Messages
17
Need advice... My ds did really bad on 3finals , the academic review board recommended he be dis enrolled. He had some medical issues during the semester and got bogged down, he REALLY wants to be there and will do whatever it takes. Any advise would be greatly appreciated. He goes before them tomorrow.
 
Different academy, but here's my advice. Make sure son has documented how he will rectify his deficiencies if retained. If he is an athlete, he may need to voluntarily give that up to convince the board that more study time could be spent on school work, instead of practice/games/travel. You mentioned he did poorly on 3 finals, but what about other class work/assignments? If he did ok, and had a good relationship with his professors, they may be in his corner. Good luck....I know first hand how gut wrenching this time can be.
 
I am so sorry to hear about your son. My nephew, now a Captain in the AF, went before an academic review board at USAFA, and was retained. He said the key was to get his teachers to write letters or even come to the board on his behalf. His teachers knew there were extenuating circumstances and could also attest to the fact that he had been trying very hard to pass, had been coming in for EI, etc. Since your son had medical issues, perhaps a letter from the treating physician explaining how it affected his performance. He should also have a plan to lay out for the board on how he is going to rebound from this and not let it happen again. A study plan, and get across his willingness to give up his summer break to retake any courses that he didn't pass or to take a course to lighten his load next year.
 
I went to a board my Plebe year. What year is your DS? Also, when you say he did bad on 3 finals, what were his final grades (no need to share here)? But that will have an impact. I am sure each SA has its own unique boards, but they are probably similar nature. The biggest thing is, not the excuses, but what is he doing to fix the issue? Since he had medical issues are these fixed and he is back at it 100%? What were the impacts, such as missed class, etc? If they are not fixed and he will miss more stuff coming up how will he handle this better? If they can directly relate his poor performance to medical, they will be inclined to give him another chance, but what has changed to convince them he can handle things. If they are not fixed, can he take a lighter load next semester and take summer school to catch up. How much extra instruction, outside tutoring, etc has he received? Was he proactive in informing his professors of his issues and missed classes? Was he in touch with them on how to make up lectures, labs, assignments. Did he sleep in class? Was he on time, sat in the front row and participated. These are all things the board will look at and will certainly have feedback from his professors on. I know at USNA professors are required to supply this on students who are UNSAT, I am sure it is at USAFA also. Lots of Cadets and Mids have health issues with surgeries, broken bones, mono, and lots of other fun things that occur to active athletic young men and women who live in close proximity. The SAs work with these folks to get them healthy and back at things. Its all about him being proactive about his situation and showing that this was a one off variation for him and he won't be back in front of them again in May.
 
Navy hoops ,
he is in his freshman year. He got 2 concussions one at the beginning and one during a boxing match around October that was alittle more severe. He has no dermits and was doing good otherwise. I am praying they are giving him a second chance and see that he is worth it. He ended up with 2 fs and this is why the recommendation.
Do you happen to know the process, as in briefing , submitting paperwork to plead case and decision ? ( or any one else now about AF)
 
I faced the board at the end of my doolie year.

I was saved because I had 142 hours of EI (extra instruction) in the semester (we had 42 lessons back then)...the board decided I'd done my best; they hadn't taught me!!!

I am a "DG" from USAFA's amazing class of 1983!!!!
(DG: Done graduated)

Steve
USAFA ALO
USAFA '83
 
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