How to deal with the dean of a college?

Question

Okay, so here's the overview:
I am in a big trouble because I am at the edge of getting kicked out of a university in the U.S. I had a very poor year last year, in terms of academics. I suffered. So I was on the academic probation after the first semester last year and still did not meet the requirement. So I had this deal with the dean of my college and the deal was to take classes over the summer and get C or higher in both classes. But I failed to do so for one of the classes. I got an F. However, I thought about my future deeply and I have concluded that the major I am in is not suitable for me, so I would like to switch: with a great hope to stay on campus.

I am going to make a phone call to him and just plead.
What is the best way to plead and deal with him so that I can go back to the school?

I need the answer as soon as possible, please.

Thanks

I don't live anywhere near my school.

Answer 1

First of all, don't just call him up and start pleading on the phone. You want to handle this like a professional, so call his administrative assistant and make an appointment to talk to him. Be on your best behavior. Dress appropriately (you don't need to wear a suit or a shirt and tie, but dress like you care); use proper English when you speak with him. The idea is to make it clear that you are taking this seriously and are worth stretching for.

Now, as far as switching majors, it is very possible that the one you had chosen was not right for you, but what about the new major? Is it in the same College? Is it significantly different, with different requirements? Have you fully thought through what you are switching into and why this should work better. You need to be prepared to give a very reasoned, logical explanation for what you want to do and why it should work further.

Also, when you took the course you failed, what did you do to try to do to bring your grade up, once you realized you weren't doing well? I know summer school moves quickly,but did you go for tutoring, talk to the professor, etc.? If you just let the class slide past you, I'm not sure he will see you as someone who really tried very hard to keep the bargain. If you did everything possible and failed anyway, I might buy the idea that you really wanted to do better.

I am also wondering how you did on the other course, the one you did get a "C" or better on. Did you just get a "C", or did you do well on that? What are your other grades like? If I were your dean, I would be more inclined to let you try another major if your other grades were fairly strong. If you have barely passed everything else, and these were just your worst of the bad grades, I would tend to think that you might be better suited for another sort of university, not just another major.

Good luck!

Answer 2

faculties will set up specific standards for dean's checklist...e.g. everybody with a three.5+ GPA... and people who gain that, make dean's checklist. that's certainly an outstanding accomplishment...and the extra problematical the main or college, the extra incredible. human beings can checklist this on their resume, and it does seem good to potential employers. It tells individuals which you're clever and/or puzzling-working and might do nicely interior the faculty ecosystem.

Answer 3

Don't do your pleading with a phone call.

Make an appointment (with his secretary) to see him face to face. Dress nicely, as if for a wedding or a funeral, as a sign of respect. Speak softly, and do not lose your temper. State your request succintly, and respectfully. Admit you have no right, but that you're hoping that he'll take a flyer on a sincere man trying to straighten things around. Have a list ready, in your mind, that is, of the things you've done to ensure that you're capable of passing any more courses you take.

It's a lot easier to turn down a voice on the phone than it is to turn down someone in person. Remember that he *wants* you to succeed. But if you're just wasting space in the classroom that could be used by a diligent student who would succeed in the world and make a lot of big donations in decades hence, it's his job to kick you out.

Answer 4

Don't make it sound like your begging (it'll get you nowhere) what I would do is formulate an argument so your dean just cannot say no. Explain why you failed the class, what you hope to change in yourself, and why the dean should be willing to let you have another chance. Let him know that another chance won't be wasted on you and that you intend to prove yourself.