Pillar one · The Advocate
Let us do the hard emails.
Trauma drains the energy it takes to fight paperwork. Tell us your classes and what you need; we write the letter, and you choose whether we send it or you do. Your professors never learn what happened.
Why the letter never says what happened: at many schools, professors are required by policy to tell the Title IX office about sexual misconduct. This letter asks for help without disclosing anything, so you stay in control of who knows.
Your classes
What you need
Read it first
Subject: Request for academic support: your class
Dear Professor,
I am writing to let you know that I am dealing with a serious personal matter that is affecting my ability to keep up with my coursework right now. I am working with the Dean of Students office, which can confirm this if needed.
I would prefer not to share the details, and I appreciate your understanding.
So that I can keep up in your class, I am respectfully requesting:
• extensions on upcoming assignments
• excused absences for classes I miss during this time
I am committed to this class and want to complete it. Could you let me know what is possible, or a good time to talk?
Thank you,
Your nameSent at Your name's request through Journey, a student support service of the Esther Funds Foundation (estherfundsfoundation.org). Replies go directly to the student.
The last line is added only when Journey sends it for you.
Add your name and each professor's email to send.
Too much to do alone?
Ask EFF and a real person will help you find the right office, write the letter with you, or just listen. Open the Help Desk.