Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Associate Dean,

I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to formally petition for a late withdrawal from MATH121 for the Winter 2024 term due to extenuating circumstances that significantly impacted my academic performance in this course. I sincerely appreciate your time and consideration of my request.

I would first like to express my gratitude for the Faculty's previous approval of my petition to waive the one-year withdrawal requirement. Since the approval of this request, I have remained fully committed to my academic plan and worked to address my challenges, resulting in consistent and measurable improvements in my performance over the past year. I believe that this progress reflects both my dedication to academic success and my ability to thrive when provided with appropriate support.

However, during the Winter 2024 term, I faced unforeseen challenges that hindered my ability to perform optimally in MATH121. Notably, I experienced significant housing instability when my property management company, Axon, presented an unlawful ultimatum: either accept an 11% rent increase or sign documents terminating my tenancy. Despite consulting multiple housing advisors between January and March, I couldn't obtain clear legal guidance before Axon demanded immediate signing under pressure. The situation worsened when some of my roommates unexpectedly moved out, jeopardizing our lease. Fortunately, after my mother consulted a lawyer who confirmed Axon's actions were illegal, we were able to successfully renegotiate under Ontario's Standard Lease terms as well as secure new roommates. However, undergoing this period of instability and uncertainty was incredibly challenging for me. Balancing the demands of my academic duties while navigating the stress of finding roommates, especially near the exam period, took a toll on both my mental and physical health. Unfortunately, the exacerbation of my PCOS and Endometriosis symptoms also contributed to the decline in my academic performance this term.

Also during the Winter 2024 term, I was receiving assistance from a counsellor at Student Wellness Services who has supported my petitions and advocated for my success. They’ve helped me navigate these challenges and connected me with various resources, including QSAS and BeyondADHD. Implementing a long-term accommodation plan through QSAS has significantly improved my ability to manage my course load. Additionally, I have been consulting with specialists to adhere to a treatment plan that helps me cope with my PCOS and Endometriosis.

Moreover, I was formally diagnosed with ADHD last term (Fall 2024) after struggling undiagnosed throughout the Winter 2024 period. This diagnosis provided critical insight into my longstanding academic challenges, particularly my difficulties with focus, time management, and task prioritization during that critical term. Since beginning treatment and implementing targeted strategies, I've experienced significant improvements in all these areas. While I'm encouraged by this progress, my undiagnosed condition during Winter 2024 undoubtedly contributed to my academic difficulties in MATH 121, as I lacked both the medical support and coping mechanisms I now benefit from. Since then, I have taken proactive steps to ensure my academic success, including engaging with ADHD treatment through medication, securing stable housing, and improving my grades in subsequent terms. These efforts reflect my renewed focus and dedication to my studies.

I understand the importance of academic accountability, and I sincerely regret that these challenges impacted my performance in MATH121. Dropping this course would allow me to continue building on the progress I have made without the burden of an outlier grade that does not reflect my current abilities.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I greatly appreciate the Faculty’s past support and hope for a positive resolution to this request.

Sincerely,

Izza Raza