Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Dr. Jenn Stephenson,

I am writing today as I would like to appeal to late drop HIST 242 (Winter, 2024)(I received an IN grade for this course), HIST 200, HIST 260, and WRIT 120 (Summer, 2024).

I am appealing to late drop these courses due to extenuating circumstances that I faced during the Winter and Summer semesters, causing me to not be able to complete all of my course work. I was dealing with a severe mental health crisis during the winter semester and was unable to be in contact with a healthcare professional as my previous doctor could no longer take me as a patient. I thought that I would be able to deal with taking summer courses after having an extremely rough winter semester, but throughout the summer I was in contact with my new physician and started on a new medication. This new medication has caused me to be impaired in many ways and has severely impacted me for a number of months. These disability related impacts began for me in approximately November but became severely worsened in the beginning of the New Year. This mental health crisis affected me greatly in terms of academics as I was unable to finish all course work and stay on track working asynchronously. I didn’t withdraw from the courses earlier because I thought I could complete all the coursework on time. However, my assignments kept piling up due to the impact of my mental health, and by the time I was mentally ready to catch up, I couldn’t finish everything.

I have met with my new doctor who has created a plan with me and helped me to get back on track. My doctor has provided me with medical assistance and resources to help me be comfortable and able to get back to my work productively and healthily. I have also recently started seeing a new therapist who is working with me to become more mentally healthy and be ready to take on this new upcoming semester. I am still struggling but I am relying on the professionals in my life as well as myself to get back to a place where I am able to be successful in my undergrad and in life in general.

I have created a multi step plan so I can be successful this semester and all upcoming semesters. I am in close contact with my physician and my QSAS advisor so I am able to remain on track and be supported for my disability related needs. My QSAS advisor has also connected me with someone at SASS to help me create a plan for success and steps to take to do well in my academics while dealing with disability related impacts. I have a plan to spend an extra semester or two at the end of my undergrad so I can graduate and feel comfortable without adding on too much to my course load during the regular semesters. I do not want to overwhelm myself and instead I am giving myself the needed time so I can finish my undergrad healthily and successfully.

Excelling during my undergraduate studies is very important to me, and I’ve been putting in a lot of effort to be proud of the work I produce. I take all of my courses seriously and will continue to do so moving forward.
I sincerely appreciate your consideration in allowing me to appeal these courses due to extenuating circumstances beyond my control.

Thank you,
Brooke Simons-Vatch