Academic Support Letters
What are Academic Support Letters? | |
How to request an Academic Support Letter |
What are Academic Support Letters?
“I’m at risk of failing. I need a letter explaining why.”
Some students come to the Counseling Clinic requesting a letter of support to be sent to an instructor, department, registrar or financial aid because they are not doing well in one or more classes. These students typically would like for us to provide a letter verifying they have personal problems which have interfered with their academic performance.
Indeed, sometimes personal problems do interfere with one's ability to concentrate on academic work. However, while our counselors remain supportive of students' academic efforts, they cannot confirm difficulties or issues about which they have no prior information or knowledge.
But, if students have not participated in counseling at the Counseling Clinic other than to attend an initial screening or a crisis intervention session, we could only provide a brief letter that states:
The student attended a single, initial session at the Counseling Clinic on a specific date, the session was not a comprehensive psychological evaluation,the counselor cannot make a recommendation about the student’s academic status or mental health status, but is only confirming attendance for one session.
Here are some options you can do before personal problems interfere with your academic performance.
Seek Assistance at the Counseling Clinic Early
We strongly encourage students to seek assistance early, before personal problems interfere with their academic progress. Counselors are more likely to be able to write a supportive letter if a student has been participating in ongoing counseling. Please talk with your counselor if you are experiencing personal difficulties that you believe are negatively affecting your academic performance.
Talk To Your Instructors
