Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: To whom it may concern,

On June 8th 2024 my father who is diagnosed with schizophrenia, began acting erratically and I called 9-1-1 for assistance. I would later learn that my aunt (his sister) had lied to us about taking him to get his monthly anti-psychotic shot. He began telling me that I was an imposter and then injured me by pushing me to the floor and slamming my head against it repeatedly. I lost consciousness and don't have much memory of the incident. I was taken to Brampton Civic and treated for head trauma, and it was discovered I had a skull fracture. I have a pre-existing brain injury from when I was younger, and this head trauma aggravated it. Recovery is a continuous task, as I needed to heal from the skull fracture, and adjust to the lingering effects, such as a severe concussion, persisting issues with migraines that are accompanied by visual auras that affect my vision and ability to concentrate, vertigo, and cognitive problems involving memory and function. In addition to this was the aggravation of my PTSD and the worsening of my mental health due to these events.

I was originally given an incomplete grade because of extenuating circumstances in the Fall/Winter semester that included dealing with my youngest sibling's suicide attempt and ex-boyfriend's death via drug overdose while homeless. I had made steps toward completing my three paintings in May, as I worked on 1 painting and took reference photos for two others, photoshopping different compositions together and completing digital colour studies. I planned to email my professor with project updates when this incident occurred.

I have been trying to work on my paintings following the incident, but it has been extremely difficult as the migraines affect my ability to view images, colours, and what I am painting. I have needed a lot of support from my loved ones to complete day-to-day activities and have been in continuous pain, that only really began to lessen in August. As I am beginning to heal, I know I can complete work of a high-standard for my professor and would like the opportunity to complete my assignments.

I appreciate the time you have taken to read this letter and hope it has provided insight as to why I am requesting an extension for my incomplete grade.

Sincerely,
Sermon