Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Associate Dean Stephenson:

My name is Greta Speidel and I am writing to ask if you would consider to allow me a late withdrawal from the ENG 100 (Fall/Winter 22/23) course. I performed well in the course during the Fall semester, along with my other coursework. Unfortunately, upon returning to campus in the Winter in January, I caught COVID, which given my chronic asthma left me sick for longer than anticipated. During that time of being sick, I missed a few other courses' deadlines, suffered tremendously from the ensuing cold and fevers and fell severely behind. I thought I would be able to catch on, but my immune system seemed to have suffered quite a blow because each time I encountered anyone sick, I fell right back into a spiral of cold, fever and inability to function. This was ongoing and although I was able to catch up on other course works, although I forgot to submit a consideration for one class that cost me in final grade, but English is the one that I struggled most with. The deadline of the group discussions happened around the times that I was most sick. Then, for one assignment, I had issues with the technology, and I was late submitting, the Prof didn't accept. Then it all piled up.

In the end, I completed the quizzes, one last assignment, but sadly it was not enough. I wanted to make it up with the final exam, but as I went home to lend support to my siblings who needed it due to the increased level of conflict in our parents' divorce, I hurt myself and was bed-ridden and couldn't fly back on time for the exam. After this incident, I just went into a complete mental breakdown and had to accept defeat and the reality that I needed to explore options for dealing with this heavy albatross. I reached out to an Academic Advisor (Jenna Kring) who was extremely nice, understanding and helpful who suggested many options, one of which is a late drop request. I reached out to my Professor, Dr. May to see if it would be ok with him, and he approved this.

I am now reaching out to you, hopeful to gain your consideration of allowing me to please withdraw from the class via a late drop, please. I want to declare my major in Political Science and have completed the work to do so. Unfortunately, my ENG 100 grade will prevent me from declaring my major, unless I am able to drop the course, which would help my GPA tremendously. I plan to never find myself in such a situation by starting early with vitamins and changing my eating habits to see if it will help boost my immune system. I still fall sick easily, but that's a result of allergies and my asthma. I have learned from this past semester to stay out of class when others are sick, to protect my own health. I hope to never ever have to make such a request again in the future and will ensure that I speak sooner with my Prof when I know that my health situation may not improve at all. This past year has been truly challenging physically and mentally health wise and on a personal level. The personal side will be taken care of, allowing me much needed peace of mind.

I implore you to please allow this late withdrawal consideration, as it would make a difference for my future and thank you for your time.

I look forward to hearing from you on a decision soon.

Thanks,
Greta Speidel