Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Dean Stephenson,
I am writing to formally petition for a late drop of the BIOL404 course that I enrolled in on April 22, 2024.
When I enrolled in BIOL404, I did not anticipate the significant personal tragedy I would soon face. On March 28, 2024, my close friend Logan unexpectedly passed away. To attend Logan’s celebration of life, I traveled to Vancouver from April 25 to April 27. The grief during this period made focusing on academic responsibilities extremely challenging. Consequently, I missed the deadline to drop the class by April 28. Following the service, I flew to Colorado to be with my family, further disrupting my ability to attend the required session on April 29, which marked the beginning of the course.
The sudden loss and the need to be with my family during this difficult time significantly impaired my ability to commit to my academic duties. Even if I had been present in Kingston at the start of the class, my mental and emotional state would not have allowed me to engage effectively in such an intensive two-week course. Additionally, the course schedule overlapped with my three deferred exams on May 13, 16, and 17.
Given these extenuating circumstances, I am respectfully requesting a late drop for BIOL404. I understand the importance of adhering to academic schedules and deadlines, but I hope the severity and nature of my situation will be taken into consideration. The past two months have been among the most challenging periods of my life, and I am striving to regain my footing both personally and academically.
I am more than willing to provide any further documentation or details that may be required to support my case. Your understanding and compassion during this difficult time would mean a great deal to me.
Sincerely,
Mady Sciamanna