Academic Dismissal & Reinstatement Guide

Academic dismissal is a serious matter and typically results from continued academic struggles despite prior support and probation. This page outlines how students can return to UT Permian Basin after being academically dismissed; either by appealing for early reinstatement or by applying for readmission after completing the required dismissal period.

Know Who to Contact

First, verify whether your dismissal is academic or disciplinary:

• Academic Dismissal: Contact Dr. Michael Frawley, Dean of Undergraduate Success
  • Mesa Building, Room 2140
  • frawley_m@utpb.edu 
• Disciplinary Dismissal: Contact Corey Benson, Dean of Students
  • Mesa Building, Room 4274
  • benson_c@utpb.edu 

If your student record includes a hold that says “See Dr. Frawley,” you will proceed with the academic dismissal process.

Academic Dismissal Timeframes

Dismissals are progressive:

• First dismissal: 1 long semester
• Second dismissal: 1 academic year
• Third dismissal: 3 academic years

Students may either:

• Appeal to return early before the dismissal period ends
• Apply for readmission after the full dismissal period has passed

All academic dismissal requests are reviewed by the Office of Undergraduate Success, regardless of student type (e.g., freshman, transfer, dual credit).

Appeal of Academic Dismissal

If you wish to return before completing your dismissal period, you must submit a formal appeal letter. Appeals are only granted under exceptional circumstances, including:

1. Factual error by UTPB in the dismissal decision
2. Serious extenuating circumstance that:
   1. Was outside of your control
   2. Impacted your academic performance
   3. Has since been resolved
   4. Was addressed during your enrollment (e.g., working with the Retention Officer or Success Center)

Your appeal must also demonstrate how you complied with academic probation conditions prior to dismissal. Appeals are not granted automatically and are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Submitting Your Appeal

Write a formal appeal letter that includes:

• The reason for your dismissal
• The specific reason you are appealing (factual error or extenuating circumstance)
• Actions taken during probation to seek support and improve

We strongly encourage you to work with a writing tutor in the Success Center when preparing your letter. Submit your letter as an email attachment to both:

• frawley_m@utpb.edu
• rodriquez_n@utpb.edu

Include your full name, student ID, and contact information. The Dean’s Office will contact you if a meeting is necessary. 

Applying for Readmission

If you’ve completed your full dismissal period, you may apply for readmission. This process is less restrictive but still requires you to show that you’re prepared to return and succeed.

Timing Matters

Begin your readmission request 2–3 months before the semester you plan to return. What matters is not when you apply, but when you intend to enroll again.

What to Include in Your Readmission Letter

1. A reflection on what led to your dismissal
2. A summary of what you’ve done during your time away
3. A plan for how you will achieve academic success moving forward

As with appeals, formal letters should be emailed to:

• frawley_m@utpb.edu
• rodriquez_n@utpb.edu

Writing support is available, and we encourage you to use it.

Required Meetings

After your letter is reviewed:

1. You'll be contacted to schedule a meeting with Dean Frawley
2. On the same day, you'll also meet with Vickie Gomez, Retention Officer (available Tuesday - Thursday)

Need Help?

We are committed to supporting students throughout their academic journey — including those working to return in good standing. If you have questions, need clarification, or want support before dismissal becomes a possibility, reach out to the Office of Undergraduate Success.