Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Associate Dean ( Studies),

I am appealing to add GNDS 125 during the Summer 2015 semester, drop GNDS 215 and request a Credit Standing in GNDS 120 from the winter 2015 semester due to extenuating circumstances. Due to the familial problems and poor mental health, I am taking certain measures to successfully complete an Honours degree over an extended period of time.

In May 2013, my mother was diagnosed with Schizophrenia. Due to having no familial support in Canada, I automatically became the sole supporter of my mother during this time. My mother was put on disability and in order to receive her financial payments she has to seek treatment. Due to cultural practices, it has been difficult to seek help for my mother as mental health problems are highly stigmatized in my culture. This has been a tedious process and my mental health has suffered during this time. I fell into depression as the stress of being a provider and support system for my mother and a dedicated student was difficult. However, I am aware of my great potential and abilities as I have successfully completed courses in the past. Although I have been met with great difficulties, I will not give up on my education. As last summer I did not complete GNDS 125 because my mother's condition worsen and she set her home on fire, I would like to retake the course online. This past Winter semester, I successfully completed the majority of the GNDS 120 course load however, I fell into depression during the final weeks and I did not complete the final paper. I passed the course as my marks on previous assignments were high however I would not like a mark of D as I am trying to improve my GPA. I failed GNDS 215 because of the same reason and I plan on retaking the course this upcoming Fall semester.