Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Associate Dean Stephenson,

I am petitioning to receive an Aegrotat Standing in MATH 111B (Fall/Winter, 2023)

In January 2024, I faced an unforeseen personal event that significantly impacted my academic performance. Right before the beginning of the second semester, I was unfortunately incapacitated and sexually assaulted by someone I trusted. The trauma resulted in severe anxiety, depression, and a subsequent decline in my mental health throughout the semester; the effects of which I am still dealing with today. It left me emotionally distraught and struggling to cope with the aftermath. I resorted to various unhealthy coping mechanisms, and emotionally retreated into myself. Furthermore, in February 2024, I witnessed a close friend being taken to the hospital several times throughout the month for suicide attempts. This further worsened my mental health, and triggered my own self harm.

I was able to work through the coursework in MATH 111 and maintain a decent grade thus far through peer support on assignments. Due to my circumstances, I spoke with my professors about deferring all my exams to mid-May. While studying for them, I unfortunately relapsed on my self-harm patterning and it has caused a new wave of mental health issues to sprout up. This situation uniquely affects MATH 111, given the fact that it is a year long course. I experienced a notable disconnect between concepts learned in the previous semester and those from this semester, due to the events I experienced in between. I’m struggling to balance studying for my MATH 111 exam with my others. It is not viable for me to defer the exam further or ask for an extension on coursework as I have already deferred once, and all coursework has been graded back. My professor is in agreement and supports my request for an Aegrotat Standing.

As per my program, there is no follow up course to MATH 111 in the future. Thus, after speaking with my professor, we agree that I have met the learning goals needed to complete this class. It is crucial for me to receive all the support I can get at this moment, as major selection is coming up at the end of May and maintaining a certain GPA is essential for qualification into my desired program. I am committed to overcoming this setback and remain dedicated to my academic pursuits, as I am really passionate about my studies in Computing.

In terms of addressing these extenuating circumstances, I have begun to take steps towards healing and recovery. I have initiated counselling sessions with a licensed therapist from Student Wellness Services, and actively began to engage in discussions with my peers about what transpired. Additionally, I have several meetings with a counsellor in my hometown throughout the summer to work through and process my experience. This will ensure a successful return to my studies.

Thank you for considering my petition. I appreciate your understanding and support in this matter.

Sincerely,
Hashim Iftikhar