A death in the family, such as that of a father, mother, sister, brother or guardian, can cause emotional and long-term stress, and can be the basis of an appeal. The important factor in describing this extenuating circumstance is showing that the death is in your immediate family. Many colleges, such as the University of Florida, requires that you provide a letter stating what led to poor academic performance from the death, as well as an official death certificate or obituary notice.
Depression and other emotional disorders can significantly affect the way a person's brain functions and may lead to poor academic performance. For example, the University of California at Berkeley lists five main causes of academic difficulty, including mental health issues. In an appeal statement based on mental health issues, you must explain the events leading up to the depression or the history of the mental-health issues affecting you. In addition, an official doctor's statement on letterhead is required by most colleges to show that you received treatment. In essence, you must show that you are not inventing a mental health issue to get off probation and explain all contributing factors.
In general, to appeal a probation because of a military call for active duty, you must provide a copy of official military orders as documentation. Contact your college's registrar office or the head of your department to determine what official papers you need to appeal your probation.
If you were employed at the time of acceptance into college, then lose your job or are forced to change jobs, you need to appeal with a statement explaining the strain on your education from loss of your job during the school year, such as your inability to meet your financial obligations to yourself and your family. In addition, many schools, such as the University of California, require that you attach unemployment verification, W-2, and a termination letter from your employer to your petition for appeal.