Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: To the Associate Dean Academic,
I am writing to respectfully request Credit (CR) standing in CHEM 112. I completed all components of the course, including the final examination, and received a passing grade. However, due to serious and unforeseen extenuating circumstances beyond my control, my final grade does not reflect my true academic ability or the effort I invested. I believe I meet the criteria outlined for CR standing and respectfully ask that my situation be considered in this context.
In the weeks leading up to the final examination, I experienced a severe decline in my mental health. As a first-year student, I struggled with acute stress, homesickness, and overwhelming academic pressure. This course was particularly important to me, as it directly impacted my eligibility for admission into the academic program I am deeply passionate about, Biochemistry. Understanding its importance, I dedicated an extreme amount of time to preparing for the final—studying daily from 10 a.m. to 6 or 7 p.m. for twelve consecutive days. During this period, I was not eating properly, not sleeping, not engaging in any self-care or social interaction, and relying on energy drinks to stay awake. My wellbeing deteriorated to the point that those around me became concerned.
On the day of the exam, I experienced a sudden and intense physical and emotional response—my heart was racing, my thoughts became disorganized, and I felt completely overwhelmed. At the time, I didn’t fully understand what was happening. It was only after returning home and beginning therapy that I came to realize I had experienced a full-blown panic attack. Although I managed to complete the exam, I was not in a stable emotional or physical state to accurately demonstrate my knowledge. This was further compounded by the cancellation of all laboratory sessions and tutorials due to the teaching assistant strike. Labs have always been one of my academic strengths and a key way for me to engage with and reinforce the course material. Their cancellation not only removed a crucial learning opportunity but also increased the weight of the final exam, making it disproportionately reflective of my performance under distress. Together, these factors significantly hindered my ability to demonstrate the full scope of my learning in the course.
After the exam period concluded, I sought help and began taking proactive steps to address my mental health and academic challenges. I reached out to the Student Wellness Services, consulted with academic advisors, and email corresponded with the course instructor and undergraduate chair to express my concerns and understand potential remedies. I have since started regular sessions with a therapist to manage my anxiety and develop healthier coping mechanisms for academic stress.
I have included a letter from my treating therapist confirming that I have been receiving ongoing care for anxiety-related symptoms, and that my experience on the day of the exam was consistent with a panic attack. This documentation supports the extenuating circumstances described in this petition.
Looking forward, I am committed to improving my academic and personal well-being. I have adopted better study habits, established a routine that includes regular breaks, exercise, and proper nutrition, and continue to rely on a strong support network of friends and family. I am also continuing to work closely with mental health professionals to ensure I maintain balance while meeting the demands of my course load.
Granting CR standing in this course would allow me to continue pursuing my chosen academic path without the disproportionate weight of this one grade affecting my future. I am committed to academic excellence and self-improvement, and I respectfully request your support in granting this petition.
Sincerely,
Ella Littlejohn, #20472422
General Science, Year 1