How to write a SAP appeal

Step-By-Step Guide to Submitting Your SAP Appeal:

1. Be Clear About Your Situation

In your appeal, describe exactly what happened and how it impacted your academic performance. Remember:

• Be honest and specific.
• Use dates whenever possible.
• Focus on the connection between your situation and your academic difficulties.
• Every reason you give must be backed up by your supporting documentation. 
  • Need help? See the section below on what counts as supporting documentation. 

2. How Will You Get Back on Track?

Don’t just say you’ll "try harder." Instead, list concrete actions you're taking to meet SAP requirements in the future.

3. How Will You Stay on Track?

For the final section of your appeal, explain how you’ll continue to meet SAP standards going forward.

Final Tips

• Appeals without detailed explanations or supporting documents will be denied.

• Use this opportunity to tell your story, show what’s changed, and explain how you’re taking control of your academic path.

What Not to Use as Appeal Reasons

The following are not valid reasons for a SAP appeal:

• Difficulty adjusting to college life

• Balancing school with work or extracurriculars

Supporting Documentation

If you're submitting a Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) appeal, you'll need to include supporting documentation. This helps explain why you didn’t meet SAP standards and shows the situation was serious and out of your control.

What Counts as Supporting Documentation?

Your documentation must come from a third party. Some examples include:

• A note or letter from a:

  • Doctor or medical provider

  • Therapist or counselor (including Cook Counseling)

  • Clergy member

  • Lawyer or court official

  • Police officer

  • Academic or disability services provider (like SSD)

• Official documents such as:

  • Hospital records

  • Death certificate

  • Police report

  • Court document

  • Legal paperwork

  • Letter verifying outside commitments (work, caregiving, etc.)

Important: This is not a personal recommendation letter. It should support the reason you gave for not meeting SAP standards, with clear evidence from a credible source.