Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: I am writing to formally request a withdrawal from my CISC 101 Intro. to Computer Programming course due to mental health challenges, specifically depression, that have severely impacted my academic performance. Over the past month, I have been struggling with depression, which has led to a consistent pattern of missed classes and assignments. Initially, I thought it was just general academic stress, but it became clearer that the root cause was deeper. My condition significantly worsened in the past month, leading to an inability to concentrate, a lack of motivation, and a persistent feeling of being overwhelmed. This has directly affected my ability to engage in my coursework.

It was only after recent consultations with a personal counselor that I fully understood the severity of my mental health condition. The counselor's assessment and ongoing sessions have been helpful in recognizing the impact my mental health has had on my academic life. And I was suggested to lower my work load, especially with courses that do not directly relate to me. This realization allowed me to accept the necessity of addressing my health as a priority, which unfortunately means take a step back from certain academic commitments, including Computer Science 101.

During the period of my course, I found it increasingly difficult to keep up with the curriculum due to my mental state. Since the course is concentrated into one class a week missing one class can become a domino effect. The specific impact includes missed classes, incomplete assignments, and a decline in my participation and performance in practical aspects of the course. This drop in my academic performance is not reflective of my usual performance and commitment to my studies but it is a direct result of my mental health challenges.

To manage and improve my condition, I am actively seeking help through counseling and have attempted strategies recommended by healthcare professionals. These steps are crucial for my wellbeing and fast recovery. However, they require time and focus, which makes it currently challenging to meet the demands of my coursework.

Given these circumstances, I respectfully request a withdrawal from Computer Science 101. I believe this course of action is necessary to focus on my mental health recovery and to eventually return to my studies with full capacity and dedication. Thank you for considering my request.