The Ombuds Office is one of the most helpful and underutilized resources on campus. They are independent from UBC and exist solely to protect student rights. They can:
Highly recommended before submitting any appeal.
Contact: https://ombuds.ok.ubc.ca/contact-us/
If your situation involves discrimination, disability, or systemic barriers, the Ombuds Office may also refer you to a Human Rights Advisor.
Counselling can help you:
Even if campus appointments are full, you have options:
SUO Plan Info: https://suo.ca/health-dental/
Proof of counseling shows the committee that you're taking recovery seriously.
The Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Office (SVPRO) provides confidential, trauma-informed support for students who have experienced assault, abuse, or harassment.
They offer:
More info: https://svpro.ok.ubc.ca
You are not alone. SVPRO can support your appeal and connect you to trusted professionals.
If a disability, chronic condition, or mental health issue affected your studies, register with the DRC. Doing so strengthens your appeal and helps you get future accommodations.
Steps:
UBCO has an on-campus psychiatrist who can help if you don’t have a current provider.
Apply early—approval takes 1–2 weeks.
Once registered, include documentation in your appeal to show that steps are in place for your success.
For Students Appealing Academic Suspension, Required to Withdraw, or Probation
Start with clarity and accountability.
“I am writing to respectfully appeal the academic standing decision regarding my studies in the [Your Program] at UBC Okanagan. I understand that my academic performance during the [Term/Year] did not meet the university's expectations, resulting in [academic suspension/probation/required to withdraw]. This letter explains the challenges I faced, including mental health issues and personal responsibilities, and outlines the concrete steps I have taken to ensure future academic success.”
Include mental health, family responsibilities, adjustment to university life, or other relevant extenuating circumstances.
“During the Winter 2024 term, I experienced persistent symptoms of depression and anxiety, which significantly impacted my ability to focus, attend classes consistently, and meet deadlines.”
“In addition, I was managing a difficult family situation back home, where a close family member was diagnosed with a chronic illness. As the primary point of contact and support for my family, I felt emotionally overwhelmed and distracted from my studies.”
“As an international student, I also experienced cultural and academic adjustment difficulties. The transition to a different learning style and expectations at UBCO was more challenging than anticipated, especially while managing personal stressors.”
Demonstrate responsibility and a proactive approach.
Counselor Documentation
Example 1: “I have been working with a licensed therapist through the UBCO Student Wellness Centre to address my mental health. These sessions have helped me develop coping strategies and establish boundaries to manage stress more effectively.”
Example 2: “I found it difficult to get an appointment on campus, so I used my Blue Cross student insurance (via SUO) to book regular sessions with an off-campus registered clinical counselor. These sessions are ongoing, and I’ve learned cognitive behavioral techniques for managing emotional overwhelm.”
Medical Documentation
Example 3: “I consulted with a physician at a local walk-in clinic who confirmed my mental health symptoms (anxiety/depression) and has provided a letter to support my appeal. I am continuing with medical follow-up.”
Disability Resource Centre (DRC)
Example 4: “Based on a long-standing suspicion that I may have ADHD or a learning disability, I’ve begun the process of assessment. My doctor has completed the UBCO DRC Accommodation form, and I’ve submitted it to request academic accommodations moving forward.”
Example 5: “I met with an academic advisor to reassess my program plan and determine a manageable course load. Together, we developed a strategy that prioritizes foundational courses and builds in time for academic support and personal wellness.”
Quote the study tips and techniques that are on the learning hub website and explain how you will incorporate it into your studying routine:
Example: “I’ve participated in workshops through the Student Learning Hub on time management, exam preparation, and note-taking. I’ve started using a weekly study planner and the Pomodoro Technique—25-minute focused sessions followed by short breaks—which helps me avoid burnout. I’ve also begun using active recall and spaced repetition, as recommended in the Hub’s “Study Smarter, Not Harder” resources. I plan to attend weekly drop-in tutoring for my most challenging course.”
Physical activity and wellness routines help support academic success
Exercise & Movement
Example: “I signed up for a membership at the Hangar Fitness Centre and now attend yoga and Pilates classes twice a week. This regular exercise has improved my sleep and reduced anxiety.”
Mindfulness & Self-Care
Example: “I use the Calm app for guided meditation daily and practice 10 minutes of breathwork before study blocks. These practices help reset my focus and manage performance stress.”
Routine & Stress Management
Example: “I’ve created a self-care routine that includes 7–8 hours of sleep, structured meals, social breaks, and technology cut-offs after 9 p.m. I’ve started journaling 2–3 times a week to reflect on progress and plan ahead.”
Enroll into a summer course that is easy and you can manage, this is probably the strongest piece of evidence that will guarantee an approved appeal!
Example: “To demonstrate my renewed academic focus, I enrolled in a summer course (PSYO 111) and achieved a final grade of 85%. This course helped me apply new study strategies and build confidence in my ability to succeed academically.”
Show that you are ready and have a clear plan.
I have developed a structured academic plan that includes:
Explain how you've grown and why you're now prepared to succeed.
“Through this experience, I have learned the importance of asking for help and building a support network. I’ve grown more resilient and self-aware, and I am now equipped with the tools and support I need to succeed. These challenges, while difficult, have motivated me to take control of my education with greater maturity and clarity.”
“I am sincerely grateful for the opportunity to submit this appeal. I am fully committed to my academic journey at UBCO and confident in the plans I have made to support my future success. I respectfully request that the committee consider my appeal so I may continue my studies and contribute positively to the UBCO academic community.”
Category | What to Keep in Mind |
Tone | Be respectful, sincere, and professional |
Length | 1–2 pages is usually appropriate |
Language | Avoid blame; focus on growth and accountability |
Clarity | Break into short paragraphs; use headers if possible |
Support | Mention and provide proof of your use of UBCO resources |
https://students.ok.ubc.ca/academic-success/academic-standing-and-appeals/
To the student reading this and feeling overwhelmed, uncertain, or defeated:
I want to start by saying this: You are not alone, and you are so much stronger than you think.
If you're here, it's because something didn’t go the way you planned. Maybe you're facing academic suspension, maybe you're trying to write an appeal letter while battling anxiety, guilt, shame, or heartbreak. Maybe your circumstances were bigger than you—family responsibilities, mental health struggles, trauma, burnout—and you’ve convinced yourself that you “should have done better.”
But listen carefully: you didn’t fail—you faced something hard. And you survived it. That is not weakness. That is strength.
You are not broken. You are not too late. You are not “falling behind.” You are doing the brave thing: trying again.
The truth is, academic setbacks don’t define your worth or your future. They are just part of your story—not the end of it. You’re still becoming the person you’re meant to be. And the courage it takes to ask for help, to write an appeal letter, to say “I want to try again” is more powerful than any grade on a transcript.
It’s okay if you don’t have everything figured out. What matters is that you are taking steps—seeking support, being honest, and trying to rebuild. That’s growth. That’s resilience. That’s what real success is made of.
With the right tools—counseling, support systems, time management skills, a structured academic plan—and a well-crafted, honest appeal letter, you can absolutely get back on track. Many students just like you have made it through the same dark moments and gone on to thrive—not because they were perfect, but because they kept showing up.
You can do this, too.
So please don’t give up on yourself now. If you’ve had the strength to keep reading, you already have the strength to write your appeal, ask for help, and rebuild your academic future.
We believe in you. It’s time to believe in yourself.
Take it one step at a time. You’re not behind—you’re just getting started.
There was a time not long ago when I was exactly where you are now. I had no one guiding me. I felt completely alone, overwhelmed, and ashamed. I was dealing with more than just academics—real-life pain, family struggles, mental health battles. I didn’t know who to ask for help, or even how to begin. Everything felt like it was falling apart.
But I didn’t give up.
I fought for myself, even when I didn’t fully believe in me. I wrote an appeal. I told my truth. And it worked.
Now—against everything I thought was possible—I’m walking the stage this June with my degree in hand. A girl who thought she’d never survive the worst… is now here. Not only surviving, but thriving. And helping others like you do the same.
I made a promise to the universe, to myself, that if I ever got the chance to keep going, I would help someone else do it too. That promise is what brought me to write this message.
This isn’t the end of your story. It’s a hard chapter, yes—but not the last one. If I had given up when it felt hopeless, I’d be living with regret today. But instead, I get to live with pride.
You will too.
So keep going. Fight for yourself like your future depends on it—because it does. And believe me, you are worth every ounce of that fight.
With love and unwavering belief in you,
—A student just like you, now a graduate, and your guide