Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Hello,

I hope this letter finds you well.

I am writing this email as an appeal to drop a class, specifically: PHAR 100. My course load this semester entails: BIOL 102, CHEM 112, MATH 121, PHIL 151 and PHAR 100 for context.

I selected the first three courses, respectively, due to my interest in the subjects and them being prerequisites for Life Sciences, a specialization I am considering pursuing in the future. The latter 2 courses, however, I took as electives.

I would like to drop PHAR 100 due to the extensive and unexpected issues I have faced these past 2-3 months which interfered with my learning. I have quite severe anemia and vitamin D deficiency which has affected me on and off for the past few years. Usually, I have frequent doctor appointments to deal with this. However, upon coming to university - away from home - I did not book a doctor's appointment until November. Until the appointment which entailed taking a step towards getting better/recovery, I missed assessments. I deeply regret this as I've had episodic fainting, randomly falling down, headaches, dizziness, and other problems which have affected my overall wellbeing. I have really severe headaches, and oftentimes when I get up, I can barely see anything and drop down on the floor. The fear of this happening in public often prevented me from leaving my room as well, as I experienced extreme dizziness.

My anemia, resulting from both genetics and heavy menstruation, has proven challenging to manage despite medications such as tranexamic acid. I am currently undergoing tests, including a Holter monitor, to further investigate symptoms like shortness of breath. As well, I have an upcoming appointment with my endocrinologist to discuss the potential reappearance of my hyperthyroidism, which causes sensitivity to the cold, depression, and muscle cramps - all of which I have experienced. These health concerns have taken a toll on my academic performance, exacerbated by the predominantly online nature of PHAR 100, which tends to worsen my frequent headaches.

As well, I have been dealing with some mental health issues. I was rather depressed due to personal circumstances for September, and October especially. This was evident through having almost no social interaction aside from labs, crying, and mental exhaustion. In November, I have had 2 appointments with a therapist thus far - and will continue to speak to her to better my mental state.

Despite my earnest dedication to academics, these health issues have taken a toll on my performance in PHAR 100. I assure you that my struggle in this course is not a reflection of a lack of commitment, as evidenced by my decision not to engage in social activities and the occasional difficulty even leaving my room for basic necessities. However, now I am seeking help and getting better. My mental and physical health, both, unfortunately affected my academics - which I consider to be my top priority.

I understand that I will need a letter from a professional. I will be having a follow up doctors appointment later this week and will try my best to get a letter from there. I will seek out to my therapist for a letter as well, on the safe side.

I am writing this email as an appeal to drop PHAR 100. My academic performance thus far in the course has been way below than my usual performance, entailing low marks and missed assessments. I would greatly appreciate being able to drop this course! As well, I come from a lower income household - and my mother is extremely ill due to some chronic and recently developed health issues - I've been rather stressed about that, and it has affected my mental state.

My PHAR 100 grades are considerably lower than average, despite my previously high averages and aspirations for medical school. I have not given up on that dream, as I am sure I can recover both mentally and physically. My PHAR 100 marks thus far and upcoming exam, however, are putting a rather significant stress on me - and I fear they will negatively interfere with my future aspirations and current state. Nonetheless, I have learned from this and will ensure to seek help in a timely manner.

I would really, truly appreciate being able to drop PHAR 100. My sincere apologies for any inconvenience.

Kind regards,
Zainab