Letter of Appeal Example

MR. ROBERT SMITH

President
Ivy University

Sir:
I am writing to appeal my academic dismissal from Ivy University. I was not surprised, but very
upset to receive a letter earlier this week informing me of my dismissal. I would like to urge you
to reinstate me for next semester.
I admit, I had a very difficult time last semester, and my grades suffered as a result. I don't mean
to make excuses for my poor academic performance, but I would like to explain the
circumstances. I knew that registering for 18 credit hours in the spring would require a lot of
me, but I needed to earn the hours so that I was on track to graduate on time. I thought I could
handle the work load, and I still think I could have, except that my father became very ill in
February. While he was home sick and unable to work, I had to drive home every weekend and
some week nights to help out with household duties and to care for my little sister. Needless to
say, the hour-long drive each way cut into my study time, as did the chores I had to do at home.
Even when I was at school, I was very distracted with the home situation and was unable to
focus on my schoolwork. I understand now that I should have communicated with my professors
(instead of avoiding them), or even taken a leave of absence. I thought I could handle all of these
burdens, and I tried my best, but I was wrong.
I love Ivy University, and it would mean so much to me to graduate with a degree from this
school, which would make me the first person in my family to complete a college degree. If I am
reinstated, I will focus much better on my schoolwork, take fewer hours, and manage my time
more wisely. Fortunately, my father is recovering and has returned to work, so I should not need
to travel home nearly as often. Also, I have met with my advisor, and I will follow her advice
about communicating better with my professors from now on.
Please understand that my low GPA that led to my dismissal does not indicate that I am a bad
student. Really, I'm a good student who had one very, very bad semester. I hope you will give me
a second chance. Thank you for considering this appeal.
Sincerely,
Emma Dalire

INQUIRY LETTER
The Virtual Community Group, Inc.
17 Park Road, Rural Town, NH
January 2, 2011
Jane Smith, Executive Director
Xavier Foundation
555 S. Smith St. Washington, D.C. 22222
Dear Ms. Smith,
I am writing to inquire whether the Xavier Foundation would invite a proposal from the Virtual
Community Group, Inc., requesting an investment of $50,000 per year over two years to support
our Enterprise 2000 initiative. This grant would provide part of the funds needed for us to train at
least 1200 low-income entrepreneurs in rural New Hampshire in the computer skills they need to
create sustainable businesses as we enter the twenty-first century. Your literature indicates that
the Xavier Foundation is searching for innovative ideas to improve the lives of the rural poor; we
believe Enterprise 2000 falls well within your area of interest.
Information technologies are a promising solution to one of the primary obstacles facing the
small rural enterprise: the geographic distances which inhibit networking with other businesses,
and which segregate them from a larger marketplace. The Internet and other networks are now
making it possible for entrepreneurs even in the most remote locations to communicate and do
business on a region-wide, national, or even international basis. Working in conjunction with
other organizations, Enterprise 2000 gives program participants technical skills training adapted
to individual need; and, in collaboration with organizations which recondition and redistribute
used computers, we also assure that they obtain the necessary computer hardware, at low or no
cost.
We believe that broadly-implemented technical skills programs such as Enterprise 2000 have the
potential to transform the lives of many struggling entrepreneurs, and change the economic
landscape of impoverished rural communities. Unlike many poverty alleviation initiatives, all of
the Virtual Community Group programs are predicated on the assumption that these
entrepreneurs already have 90% of what it takes to compete in the marketplace -- intelligence,
ambition, initiative, and talent. After two years of experimentation and program development,
the Virtual Community Group has fashioned a superb, easily replicable model in Enterprise
2000, and established a high degree of credibility among community groups, policy makers, and
funders. With your support, we can make that 10% difference in the lives of these hard-working
people and the future of our rural communities.
Please feel free to call me with any questions. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely,
Executive Director