Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: To whom this my concern,

I am writing this petition to request that my final grades for HIST 228 (winter 2024) and HIST 260 (summer 2024) be changed to credit standing (CR). My grades in these classes are D and D-.

During these terms, I experienced multiple severe personal and medical challenges stemming from a disability which had a significant impact on my academic performance. During these terms, I was undergoing several medication trials that were not effective to try and mitigate the symptoms of my disability. My symptoms became increasingly severe, making it very difficult to focus, manage course work, and even maintain attendance in some of my classes. During this period of my life, I was unable to complete the petition process as I was facing too many difficulties.

My disabilities cause debilitating symptoms which directly hinder my ability to plan, organize, and complete tasks, particularly any task that requires sustained attention. My doctor has explained these symptoms more clearly in the note she wrote verifying my condition which I have attached to my petition.

I was unable to complete the petition within the one year of having completed the courses as my mother was diagnosed with cancer earlier this spring, which required me to shift all of my attention and care to her as I was the only caretaker present at home during the time. This was a very difficult and emotionally exhausting time in my life. Supporting my mother through her diagnosis, surgery, and treatment while managing my own health became increasingly difficult and overwhelming. It is for these reasons I was unable to complete the petition during the one-year period.

For HIST 228, I had an agreement with the professor to complete my outstanding coursework by May 25, 2024. I did so and reached out to the professor to inform her of my completed course work and have not heard back since then. I do not believe my grade in the course was changed as we had agreed.

As for HIST 260 (taken summer 2024), I had completed all of the required assignments for the course but did not perform well overall. This was very unusual for me as I have never received such a low grade before in my life and know that my grade in this course does not reflect my academic ability. For further context, during this summer term was at the height of when I was experiencing the exacerbated symptoms of my disabilities, causing me to perform poorly on assignments and coursework. Additionally, during summer 2024, I had a very close family friend pass away due to cancer. This was an individual I have known and loved since my birth, so I was deeply affected emotionally and mentally following his passing.

Although I have completed all the required coursework and final exams for these courses, the final grades I received do not reflect my academic ability and overall effort. I have always received high grades, but due to my extenuating circumstances in this situation, I was unable to perform to the best of my abilities.

I understand that this petition is being submitted after the allotted one-year deadline. However, I want to ensure the clarity of my letter in explaining that my extenuating circumstances which I explained in detail above made it extremely difficult for me to act sooner.

Since last year, I have been working closely with my healthcare providers to stabilize my symptoms and develop strategies to manage my disabilities more effectively. While progress has been gradual, I am committed to improving my health and completing my education successfully.

For these reasons, I am respectfully requesting that my grades for HIST 228 and HIST 260 be changed to CR with the consideration of my extenuating medical and personal circumstances that affected my performance and delayed my petition. I sincerely appreciate your time and effort in considering my request, and I hope you can provide me with your support.

Sincerely,

Joud Qumizakis