Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Petition Letter #2 – Request for Late Course Drops
Francesca Amato
20123015
Bachelor of Arts

Dear Associate Dean,

Following the approval of my Petition #1 to waive the deadline, I am writing to respectfully request a late course drop for the following courses, which I was unable to successfully complete due to significant extenuating physical and mental health circumstances:

Summer 2024
• ANAT 100
• GNDS 295
• SPAN 111
• MUSC 171

Winter 2024
• DRAM 242
• DRAM 206
• MUTH 340

During the Winter 2024 and Summer 2024 terms, my academic performance was directly and severely impacted by overlapping physical and mental health challenges. Living with persistent depressive disorder, social anxiety, ADHD, menorrhagia, dysmenorrhea, and severe sleep apnea created overwhelming barriers to learning. The combined effect of these conditions left me battling extreme fatigue, brain fog, forgetfulness, and debilitating anxiety. At times, I struggled simply to manage daily functioning, which made it extraordinarily difficult to stay on top of coursework, meet deadlines, or even attend classes consistently.

These obstacles particularly affected courses that required strong focus, memorization, and continuous engagement, such as ANAT 100, GNDS 295, SPAN 111, MUSC 171, DRAM 242, DRAM 206, and MUTH 340. Meanwhile, the unpredictability of my symptoms — exhaustion, panic, and cognitive fog — made it impossible to perform at the academic level I am normally capable of. Because of how consuming my circumstances were, I did not submit a petition or drop these courses earlier; at the time, my ability to advocate for myself or meet administrative deadlines was severely limited.

I want to emphasize that these grades are not representative of my true abilities as a student. Since then, with proper medical treatment, therapy, and academic supports in place, I have been able to demonstrate the determination and capability I bring to my studies. Most recently, during the 2025 summer term, I successfully retook WRIT 120 and FILM 260, both courses I had previously failed due to my health struggles and extenuating circumstances. This term, with the support of my care team, academic accommodations, and strategies I have developed in therapy, I was able to complete these courses and achieve success. This experience shows my resilience, commitment to growth, and my sincere desire to succeed academically when given the opportunity and support.

Moving forward, I am committed to continuing this progress. I remain under regular care with my psychiatrist and social worker, and I am following a structured treatment plan that includes medication, group therapy, and ongoing medical follow-ups. I am also maintaining the academic habits that contributed to my recent success — structured scheduling, ongoing communication with professors, and consistent use of accommodations.

Granting me the opportunity to late-drop these courses would remove grades that reflect a time when my life was defined by physical and mental health crises, not my academic potential. It would also allow me to move forward with an equitable chance to succeed, just as I recently proved my academic success through retaking WRIT 120 and FILM 260.

I am deeply grateful for your time, understanding, and consideration of this petition. Please see the attached documentation from my healthcare providers, which substantiates the timeline and impact of my circumstances. Despite the detrimental experiences I have faced, I remain determined and excited to complete my degree and to contribute to my field with the same strength and perseverance I have shown in overcoming these challenges.

All the best,
Francesca Amato
20123015