Student Services

1. Address the appeal to Dr. Anderson.
2. In the opening paragraph, provide your contact information, include your full name and ID#. Also list any pertinent details connected to the appeal such as course number and name, semester, professor of record, etc.
3. Explain that you are writing to appeal a particular decision, be specific.
4. Summarize the events that took place.
   1. Describe the circumstances that led up to your request (e.g., family or life hardships, health, disability, etc.). Explain how these circumstances had a direct impact on your academic performance and/or why you think the decision made by faculty or by the department was incorrect; why it should be changed.
   2. Describe any action you took to address your situation (sought medical treatment, support on or off campus, academic advising, etc.). If you are appealing a Registrar decision, a faculty member’s decision, or a department decision, describe what appeal steps you have already tried.
   3. Include documentation if available (e.g., doctor’s note, documentation from Health Center, Campus Safety; copies of appeals already attempted with Registrar, faculty, or academic department).
5. State your desired outcome and how this outcome will help with your continued success at Biola.
6. Avoid common errors (typographical, grammatical, spelling) and avoid the use of slang.
7. Be factual, detailed, and succinct.

A letter of appeal should be written in a professional letter format and submitted by email to Patti Colombo in the Associate Provost office at associateprovostacademicadmin@biola.edu.

Dr. Anderson will give you the opportunity to discuss your petition with her in person. Please contact Patti Colombo to schedule an appointment at associateprovostacademicadmin@biola.edu. Please note, Dr. Anderson should have your written appeal before you come in for your meeting. If you are out of the area, or coming to campus for a meeting is difficult, we can schedule a Zoom meeting or phone call.