Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: To whom it may concern,

I am writing to formally request permission to late drop ENGL 104 due to an extenuating family circumstance that has significantly impacted my well-being and academic performance.

Since the beginning of the Winter term, I have been dealing with an urgent family matter that has resulted in profound emotional and psychological distress. This circumstance has resulted in severe lack of sleep and considerable psychological strain, hindering my ability focus, participate actively in classes, attend tutorials, and perform well on assessments. Despite my best efforts to manage my coursework, the frequency and intensity of the assignments in ENGL 104, particularly the numerous small written tasks and extensive readings, were overwhelming under my current circumstances. In classes where assessments were exam-based rather than dependent on continuous attendance and weekly submissions, I was able to navigate more flexibly between my studies and the demanding nature of my family responsibilities. Without the immense stress caused by this extenuating circumstance, I believe I would have been able to maintain my usual academic standards.

To ensure I am successful in my second year of University, I am currently attending counselling and have committed to continuing therapy throughout the school year. While my situation is unlikely to be resolved, I have worked diligently to establish a stable support system that will allow me to manage my academics. In addition to counselling, I am working closely with my psychiatrist to address the symptoms of anxiety, depression, and insomnia brought on by this circumstance. With the help of prescription medication and weekly counselling, I have confidence in my ability to cope with these challenges while effectively managing my coursework this coming school year.

Dropping this course would provide me with the necessary GPA to continue in my program of study without further jeopardizing my ability to maintain a strong academic standing in the future. I am committed to my education and believe that this step is crucial for my long-term success and mental health.
I have attached to this letter the relevant documents that support my request. I sincerely hope you will consider my situation with understanding and grant approval for this late drop.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
Elyse de Vos