Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Associate Dean (Academic),

I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to petition for an exception regarding a requirement for automatic acceptance into the Bachelor of Computing Honours program, specifically pertaining to the required B grade in CISC 121. I am asking for this requirement to be waived due to my extenuating circumstance.

I had already communicated the details of my situation to both my CISC 121 professor, Professor Anwar Hossain, and the computing advising department. Unfortunately, due to a depressive episode, I experienced prior to the final exams, I obtained a B- grade in CISC 121, which fell short of the requirement for automatic acceptance.

I have been struggling with mental health issues and depression for quite some time. Depression has unfortunately affected multiple members of my family, starting with my father, then my oldest brother, and now myself.

Prior to my final exams, I experienced a sudden intense depressive episode, leaving me unable to concentrate and focus on studying despite my utmost efforts. It is important to note that I am solely petitioning for the CISC 121 grade requirement, as it was my final grade in that course that ultimately hindered my automatic acceptance.

My mental health struggles significantly impeded my academic performance. During my episode, I found myself in tears without knowing the specific reasons behind my emotional turmoil. I experienced feelings of profound loneliness and a persistent sense of exceptionally low self-worth that overwhelmed me. Studying became an immense challenge for me, due to the uncontrollable bouts of crying and the state of emotional distress I was in. It was incredibly difficult to maintain focus. I ended the CISC 121 course with a B-, just short of the required B. Had it not been for the occurrence of this depressive episode, I believe that my performance on the final exam would have been significantly better, and it is probable that I would have attained the required B grade, which is why I am asking for the requirement to be waived.

Additionally, I would like to point out the difference in my academic performance between the two semesters. Specifically, I want to stress how the decline in my grades during the second semester directly corresponds to the intensifying battle I faced with depression.

In the first semester, I was able to maintain a 4.1 GPA, showcasing my potential and dedication to my studies. Notably, I achieved A+ grades in both CISC 102 and CISC 101 in the first semester. However, as the second semester unfolded, it became increasingly challenging to cope with my depression, ultimately overpowering my academic focus. It is worth noting that prior to the final exam, I consistently achieved high grades in all the assessments for the CISC 121 course. I sincerely hope that this explanation has given you a clearer understanding of the challenging circumstances I have faced.