Don't crush my dream! A thematic analysis of appeal letters written by students who have been asked to 'show cause' for academic poor performance

This project thematically analysed the letters written by students who were asked to explain their poor academic performance, hence being asked to ‘show cause’ under the university’s student progress policy. The letters were received by the administrative committee whose members assess the merits of the individual student case for progressing with their studies. The de-identified letters were analysed for various factors or events which contributed to the student’s poor academic performance. The sample of students was drawn from programs in the Faculty of Health Science, with letters submitted in the 2010 calendar year. Being able to identify the various factors from a first hand account will assist administrators, academics, and counsellors on matters relating to the first year experience, student support, retention and attrition in enhancing a successful experience and transition to university.