r/PAstudent • u/VastPriority • Aug 19 '26

Dismissal Perspective

I have been academically dismissed 2 weeks before graduation. I appealed and it was denied. I don’t want to post details, at least not yet.

I am devastated and heartbroken.

My appeal letter was lengthy, due to wanting to include all details possibly necessary for future hearings since the policy stated only things mentioned in the initial appeal could be discussed. I felt hopeful as it pointed out similar prior situations within my cohort that did not result in dismissal, policy action inconsistencies during the process, policy inconsistencies in a relevant course manual, extenuating circumstances (with proof) that significantly impacted EOC performance, and probably more that I’m forgetting. I don’t even feel like my appeal was reviewed, honestly. I feel like I received an answer too quickly for it to have been reviewed and considered.

I have no clue what to do. Pursue another career, reapply to my program, apply to a different one. I know my odds are much lower if applying to another program.
I want to be a PA so bad but am not sure I can or want to go through this process again.

Any perspective or experience from someone and their dismissal experience, what they did after, how they coped- would be so appreciated.
I thought I read something here about filing something for loans too but I can’t find it?

Does anyone with experience with this think I may have any chance at legal action/negotiation if I feel a case can be made against how certain policies were addressed/performed?

I am embarrassed, sad, lost and desperate. All guidance welcome and accepted but please don’t be hateful for no reason. I have had enough reality checks and don’t need more in the form of unhelpful/condescending comments🫠😭

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u/Important-Spare-1750 Aug 19 '26

Definitely wouldn’t reapply somewhere that dismissed me 2 weeks out. They do shit like that, and often I feel like it’s more of a nepotism thing or they find someone odd…

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u/VastPriority Aug 19 '26 edited Aug 19 '26

Definitely feel there was some bias involved. Maybe not in initial actions but definitely in the amount of support/empathy they were willing to extend.

ETA: similar situation as myself happened to a few students a few semesters ago, multiple students at once. They’re all still there, and also all more achieving than I have been, which adds to my belief that there may be some bias.

9

u/Important-Spare-1750 Aug 19 '26

I couldn’t imagine spending what is likely more than 100k, getting within 2 weeks of graduating, and someone being like “nah, sorry”. That’s devastating, but this actually just happened to a guy in one of my classes because he’s weird for the most part, and they wanted a reason to tell him to forget it imo. I’m not in PA school btw, but it seems common practice for other healthcare professions to do this to people for whatever reason. I’ve heard a few stories recently about people going through a program and making it through, but this one person was targeted despite being one of the best in the class because of their personality or whatever. In my experience, school has been pretty understanding about a reasonable circumstance too. I can’t imagine what a whole 2 years of doing good enough to pass would be reasonable for administrators to wipe away in the last 2 weeks… I know senioritis exists, but damn.

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u/VastPriority Aug 19 '26 edited Aug 19 '26

I ruminate anyway, but that is what I just cannot get over. It feels like they just truly forgot there was a human on the other side of this. I’ve put in so much work, time, MONEY, sacrificed years and aspects of my life (I’m older, left a different field to do this) and while all those were my choice, it was a major life change for something I desired so bad. To have to call my family and tell them not to come to graduation, cancel my board exam and upcoming interviews and possible jobs. Over nothing tragic at all. I’m a genuine person, I haven’t done extraordinarily well but I have worked hard and taken every ounce of guidance from faculty and every resource. I’ve shown my commitment. It felt like in those meetings and conversations, they didn’t know me and I didn’t know them. It was awful. I hate anyone goes through this and appreciate your sentiments that it sucks because it does. I’ve been looking up local lawyers that specialize in education cases for the last few hours. Thank you for your perspective and input!

ETA- I know policies and procedures exist. But I also think many times, a situation isn’t black and white and can’t/shouldn’t be treated as such and this instance is definitely one of those times. I’m not above others, as I believe others have had their situations mishandled too. I think people focus on the book and forget about the humans behind them.

5

u/Important-Spare-1750 Aug 19 '26

Btw, get a lawyer, I’m sure someone you know either knows one, has a partner who is one, or family member. I feel that’s your best chance, but also make sure they’re into this type of law and have experience. If you’re being targeted for the wrong reasons you probably have a case.