Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: To Associate Dean Arts and Science,
Letter of Appeal to Withdraw ECON 255 and MATH 225


Dear Associate Dean,
I am writing to formally request the appeal to withdraw from my Intro Mathematical Economics and Ordinary Differential Equation (Fall, 2022) due to extenuating circumstances that severely impacted my ability to complete the courses' requirements.

As the end of the term approached, I encountered significant personal challenges, including acute mental health issues and familial distress due to divorce battles within my family. These circumstances caused a decline in my mental well-being, leading to a reliance on unhealthy coping mechanisms and resulting in hospitalization for treatment.

The timing of these events occurred simultaneously with the preparation period for final examinations, which was originally deferred to after the winter break due to my conditions. This time gap led to a disconnection from the material I had previously engaged with, impairing my ability to perform effectively in these specific courses.
Initially, I believed I could persevere through these difficulties and thus did not withdraw by the Week 8 deadline. However, my condition did not improve as anticipated, and the deferred exams in January underscored the disconnect and my ongoing struggle with mental health.

Currently, I am actively managing my health by consulting with a therapist and adhering to a prescribed medication. My intention is to retake these courses in the next semesters once my condition has stabilized, ensuring I am equipped to succeed academically.

I have taken proactive steps to address the challenges I've faced, and I am committed to preventing them from further hindering my academic journey. I request your understanding and favorable consideration of my appeal.
To ensure my future academic success, I have developed a comprehensive plan that includes:

1. Regular Counselling: I have established a schedule for regular meetings with a mental health professional to support my recovery and provide strategies for managing stress and academic pressure.

2. Academic Adjustments: I plan to take a lighter course load in future semesters to ensure I can devote the necessary time and attention to each course without being overwhelmed.

3. Psycho-education assessment: I plan to have a full assessment for mental health and learning disabilities assessment. I am re-evaluating my daily schedule to ensure a healthy balance between academic responsibilities and personal well-being.

4. Utilizing University Resources: I am actively seeking resources provided by the university, such as student academic success services (SAS) to help me stay on track.

5. Health Management: I will continue to adhere to the treatment plan advised by my healthcare provider, including medication and therapy, to maintain my mental well-being.

I am committed to making these adjustments to support my academic goals and to cope effectively with my ongoing circumstances. Your understanding and favorable consideration of my appeal would be greatly appreciated.


Sincerely,
Tom Dong
20302707