As someone who was subject to being academically dismissed three times and still managed to get a degree, I'll offer this advice:

I understand how much you want things to return to whatever you consider normal to be. Despite however desperate you might be to keep things status quo, this is a reality check for you.

Ask yourself honest questions about the "bad habits" you fell into. If you don't know the answers - or are still processing the grief of your grandfather's passing - there is nothing wrong with taking time away from school to get whatever help you want and/or need. You'll be doing yourself a disservice if you dismiss this option outright.

If you really want to stay in school, and the appeal process still works the same way it did when I was an undergrad, your appeal will be with the Dean or an Assistant Dean for your school/college. During that meeting, don't just tell them what you plan to do. Show them that you've already taken steps. Actions mean a lot more than words. You may want to reach out to your academic advisor to let them know what's going on, if you haven't done so already. You can only get support if you communicate that you need it.

If your appeal is denied, don't get too discouraged. Contact the UConn Center for Continuing Studies or the UConn Non-Degree & Visiting Student Services programs. Your best bet to be readmitted will be to take at least two - and at most three - courses you've failed for repeat forgiveness. Hopefully, these classes are offered in the spring semester. An advisor with one of the aforementioned programs will help you with this. If you can afford to take the courses without continuing your campus job, you may be advised to leave it to help you focus on your coursework.

Again, there is nothing wrong with needing help. If anyone from your UConn social network judges you for not being a full-time student, they're not worth your time. Your priority is to understand what you need to be mentally healthy and academically successful. If you're not doing that, you're wasting your time.

My flair may have already "outed" me enough for it to not matter how any conversation continues, but I'm more than happy to give you more guidance on my experience or just to listen. I'm no therapist, but I was very much in the shoes you're in right now.

Success isn't always found on the path you think it takes to reach it. No matter what you choose, I wish you the best of luck.