Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Associate Director (Studies),


I am writing to apply for consideration to drop courses past the course drop date.


The courses are:
FILM 210
FILM 240


In the fall of 2022, I began formal testing to determine a suspected learning disability. On November 10th, 2022, I received a diagnosis of ADHD (please see the attached letter from Dr. Currie explaining the diagnosis). This diagnosis was in addition to previously identified learning issues for which I have accommodations in place. While I received this diagnosis in November 2022, I did not start medication and support counselling until January 2023.


Unfortunately, part way through the Winter 2023 term, I had severe reactions to the medication prescribed and had to stop it immediately. Despite that, I did manage to complete my courses that term.


I returned to my studies in September 2023 hopeful that a new medication begun at the start of the term would prove to be more successful. Unfortunately, the reaction was even more severe and I had to stop it immediately.


The struggles that term with trying to sort out this issue also resulted in a severe depressive episode for which I had to seek medical help. Despite that, I was determined to salvage my courses and get on top of my work. Unfortunately, because of the challenges outlined above I failed to do so and, as a result, missed the course drop deadline.


This is the second time I have appealed to drop courses past the deadline. The first was to drop courses from the Fall 2022 term. I do not take these requests lightly and do not see this process as a way out of bad marks. To ensure success in the future, I am working with my doctors to find medications and methods that are appropriate for me. In addition, I have opted to take the 2024 winter term off to get a handle on my health both mentally and physically. My goal is to return to studies in Fall 2024, but only if I am healthy and have support in place to ensure I am successful.


Please let me know if you need any further information, and thank you for your consideration.


Sincerely,


Michael Selby
20278313