ljgeoff | a bit of a surprise

Yesterday I went online to check my grades and found that I was suspended from school. Thinking that there was some kind of mistake, I went to student services today and talked to them. Nope. No mistake. I have an academic suspension and will be tossed out for a year if my appeal does not go through.

I graduated from high school in 1979 with a 3.15 grade point average. In the fall of 1979 I attended NMU for one semester. I did very poorly (I seem to remember a lot of dancing and drinking, but mostly sex. Man, did I have a lot of sex...). In the winter semester I was accepted to U of M, and I did better there. I didn't graduate, but I left in good standing.

Now, lets go forward 26 years. This winter semester, I took on a little too much. So I let my physiology class slide, figuring that I'd retake it this summer. My cumulative grade point average for the 2006-2007 year, not counting physiology, is 3.08; when you add in the failing physiology grade, it's 2.4.

When my three semesters at NMU are added up, I come out with a 1.97 grade point average. The grade point average at U of M doesn't count, because though the credits are transferred (almost 50 of them), the grade point average is not transferred.

If I had withdrawn from the physiology class, I would not be in this mess. But honestly, I didn't think it'd be a problem.

Two of my professors wrote letters to the appeal board today, on my behalf.

Dr. Mohey Mowafy, my nutrition professor wrote:

Dear Colleagues on the Appeal Board

I write you today to strongly, unequivocally, and without a hint of hesitation to support Ms. Lisa Geoffrion's appeal. Lisa was a student(actually, a true learner) in 2 of my classes (HN 495 A and HN 495 B). While her academic performance may have been less than stellar in the past, I can assure you that she was UNDOUBTEDLY one of the most eager learners I have known in my teaching career. A teacher's dream. Her poignant questions during the class were pivotal in creating many wonderful opportunities for the entire class, including myself, to excavate the subject deeper and provide much more clarity. It is my considered opinion that she is very deserving of a favorable decision. If you should have any questions or need any more information, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Mohey

My chemistry professor, Dr. Suzanne Williamswrote:

Dear Appeals Board,

This letter is on behalf of Ms. Lisa Geoffrion. Lisa was a student in both my CH107 and CH 108 courses this past academic year. Lisa is an interested, enthusiastic, and thoughtful student. In my opinion she clearly has the capability to do very well academically. I agree with her own personal assessment in that she took on too much last semester. She has returned to NMU after some life experiences, and she seems to be aware of what she needs to do to obtain her degree and quite committed to getting there. I think Lisa has a very high chance of success in terms of graduating from NMU with a four year degree and I support her appeal of the academic suspension.

Sincerely,
Suzanne Williams
Chemistry
Professor and Department Head

I should hear the response from the appeal board by the end of the week.