Academic Suspension & Reinstatement
Students who have been suspended for academic reasons may request reinstatement after being absent from the University for at least one semester. Immediate reinstatement may be requested only for documented exceptional circumstances (serious illness of the student, serious illness or death in the immediate family, or military orders).
The reinstatement process is described in the UWF Public Knowledge Base. Students who are assigned to First Year Advising, including those with fewer than 30 earned credits, undeclared majors, and non-degree seeking undergraduates will follow the process for Persistence and Academic Success Services as indicated below.
The reinstatement process requires:
- The student is to complete a Request for Reinstatement form and attach a Request for Reinstatement letter and supporting documents (if appropriate) before the deadline.
- A formal meeting is held between the student, the First Year advisor, and the Director of First Year Advising before committee review.
After your meeting, the materials will be forwarded to an Academic Review Committee, which will review the information and determine whether reinstatement will be approved. You will be notified in writing of the decision within 21 days after the deadline.
Request for Reinstatement Letters
Before submitting a reinstatement request, be sure you have electronic copies of your appeal letter (.doc or .pdf) and any supporting documentation ready to upload.
Your appeal letter to the Academic Review Committee should provide a clear and honest explanation of the circumstances that led to your suspension. It should also outline the steps you have taken to address those challenges and your plan for academic success if your appeal is approved.
Supporting documentation may be required based on your situation. Depending on your situation, examples could include a letter from a healthcare provider (on official letterhead with dates of care, but no detailed medical information), an obituary for an immediate family member, documentation of a change to full-time military duty, or transcripts from coursework completed while away from UWF.
Use the following questions to guide your appeal letter and ensure it provides the information needed for review.
What led to your suspension?
Explain the circumstances and demonstrate your understanding of why you were suspended. Take responsibility where appropriate and avoid placing blame on others.
What has changed?
Describe the steps you have taken to address these challenges. If you have been away from UWF, explain how you have used that time (e.g., working, attending another institution, or personal development).
What is your plan for success?
Provide a specific and realistic plan for how you will succeed academically. Include the campus resources you will use (e.g., tutoring, advising, faculty support) and how you will manage your time and responsibilities.
Why do you want to return?
Share your academic and career goals, and explain why returning to UWF is important to your future.
Deadlines
Allow adequate time to complete your reinstatement request application, write your appeal letter, and obtain supporting documentation. Submitting materials at the last minute does not demonstrate readiness for academic success.
Planned Term of Return
- Spring: submit by November 1st
- Summer: submit by April 1st
- Fall: submit by July 15th
If a deadline falls on a weekend or university holiday, it will be extended to the next business day. Late applications will be considered for the next available term.
If you have not attended UWF within the last three semesters, you must also apply for readmission through the UWF Office of Admissions. You should begin this process early; however, readmission is contingent upon approval of your reinstatement.
Check your MyUWF account to ensure all holds have been resolved. Failure to clear holds while your reinstatement is under review may delay your ability to register.
Additional Considerations
- Reinstatement to the university is not guaranteed.
- Your advisor may decline to support your request, or the committee may choose not to approve your request.
- Reinstatement to the university does not guarantee reinstatement of financial aid. If you are not meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress, this requires a separate appeal. Please contact the Financial Aid Office for information.
If You are Denied Reinstatement to the University
- You may consider the A.A. Degree Forgiveness Policy as a way to demonstrate your academic abilities and improved attitude towards being a successful college student, and return to UWF. Please seek advice to determine if this option is appropriate for you.
- Analyze your academic and career goals. Do some research on areas in which you have an interest and investigate pathways to achieve your goals in other ways.
- Volunteer or work in your community to gain insights into your goals and aspirations.
- Look for full- or part-time work to gain experience while reevaluating your academic and career plans.
