Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: To the Associate Dean,

Every transcript tells a story, and I am writing to you today to tell mine. I am submitting
this appeal to formally request that my failing grades during the Winter, Summer and Fall
semesters of 2024 be dropped from my transcript from the Winter semester of 2024, classes
CLST 208, HIST 214, HIST 231, RELS 131, and RELS 205, in addition to the Summer semester
of 2024 classes ENGL 273 and HIST 200, and Fall 2024 classes HIST 217 and HIST 223. I am
in the Fourth year of my three-year History BA, and I have faced a series of extraordinary
challenges that have significantly impacted my life and, thus, my academic performance.
In the Fall of 2023, I became sick with a mystery illness, which I would later find out was
a severe and chronic autoimmune disease. I suffered for a full year without a clear diagnosis or
treatment plan. During this time, I was enduring frequent trips to the emergency room for
infections and other debilitating symptoms. The physical toll on me was overwhelming, chronic
and severe pain, mobility issues and recurring infections left me unable to walk or sit for long
periods of time, without the distraction of agonizing pain. Simple life tasks, such as grocery
shopping or being able to leave the house became insurmountable challenges. My ability to
attend classes, do assignments and focus on my schooling was extremely impacted because of
my illness. The physical and mental strain of this time was constant, overwhelming and
depleting. The physical symptoms of my at the time, mystery illness were not all that was
affected, the impact on my cognitive function was equally severe, and the aforementioned
chronic pain and exhaustion greatly hindered my ability to concentrate, absorb or be present in
my studies. These debilitating symptoms left me suffering, and unable to seek academic help as I
was struggling to function day to day. The physical and cognitive toll of my illness triggered a
grave mental health crisis, which manifested in extreme anxiety, depression and OCD suffering
from frequent panic attacks, and hopelessness. As the months continued the hopelessness from
my at-the-time undiagnosed illness and declining mental health triggered suicidal ideations
which became an overwhelming part of my daily experience. The prolonged period of suffering,
without clear answers or relief, caused a significant decline in my mental well-being, leaving me
incapable of fulfilling my academic responsibilities.

Due to the nature of this prolonged illness and the effect on my mental and physical
health, I was unable to perform well in my academics, the grades I received during this period do
not reflect my true abilities and do not represent my level of dedication to my studies. While I
was diagnosed in August of 2024, I did not receive full accommodations until after the midterms
of the Fall semester of 2024 and was still adjusting to receiving treatment for my disease, such as
medications, in addition to just starting the process of receiving help for my mental health
through a mental health professional. I am asking for understanding and compassion as I request
the removal of these grades from my transcript so that I will be able to graduate from university
and more accurately represent myself as a student. I am determined to graduate from university,
as a low-income student, I live in Kingston with no support from my father who is unable to help
me financially as he makes under 30000$ a year, I am financially burdened by the additional
classes which I have had to take in lieu of the classes I failed during the time of this physical and
mental crisis, but am nonetheless determined to graduate, even with the additional financial
burden which I have had to take on, to get my degree. The mental, physical, and financial stress
and struggles I have, has not stopped my determination to complete my education, even with the
physical and mental crisis I have faced in this time period, my goal of gaining my degree remains
unwavering, as I am committed to my education. These grades do not reflect my potential, and I
am committed to continuing my academic journey with revitalized focus and determination now
that I am receiving proper treatment for both my physical disease and mental health struggles.
Thank you for your time and understanding. I deeply and truly appreciate your consideration of
my circumstances.

Kindest regards,
Naseeb Mann