Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: To whom this may concern,
I am writing to respectfully request that my final grade in POLS 111 be waived and replaced with a “Credit Standing” notation on my transcript. I am submitting this petition because my academic performance in this course was directly affected by significant extenuating circumstances related to my mental health during the Fall term.

At the beginning of the semester, I experienced a difficult adjustment to university life. This was my first time living and studying in a new and unfamiliar environment, and I struggled to cope with the sudden change in academic expectations, independence, and social pressures. Around this same time, I entered what I now understand to be the beginning of a depressive episode. These symptoms were new to me, and because I had never experienced anything like this before, I did not know how to properly identify or manage what I was feeling.

My ability to seek help was further limited by my personal background. I come from a family where mental health is not openly discussed, and the topic is considered taboo. As a result, I felt embarrassed to acknowledge what I was going through and hesitant to confide in anyone. I arrived at university knowing nobody and struggled to make friends or build a support system. During this time, my boyfriend from home was the only person I felt I could really talk to about how I was feeling. While he was supportive, he was still physically far away, and this distance made it difficult for me to feel genuinely supported. Despite having someone to talk to, the isolation I felt on campus remained overwhelming.
These challenges directly impacted my academic performance, particularly in POLS 111. The depressive symptoms, such as low motivation, difficulty concentrating, and persistent feelings of hopelessness made it extremely hard for me to keep up with readings, assignments, and class participation. I began to question whether university was the right environment for me at all, and this loss of confidence further affected my academic engagement.

Throughout the term, the quality of my work reflected the emotional and psychological difficulties I was facing rather than my actual ability or effort under normal circumstances.
The period during which these circumstances affected me lasted from the early weeks of the semester and continued for several months. During last year I did not feel comfortable seeking help, due to circumstances I stated above, although throughout the summer I worked on techniques to keep myself grounded as well as tried my best to reach out and make friends. I have since continued taking steps to address my mental health, and my academic performance in my other courses has improved as a result.
I am requesting a “Credit Granted” notation because the grade I received in POLS 111 does not accurately reflect my academic potential or my commitment to my studies. Instead, it reflects the significant psychological challenges I faced, circumstances that were beyond my control at the time. Replacing the grade with a credit would allow my transcript to reflect my true capabilities while still acknowledging that I completed the course requirements despite the difficulties I faced.

Thank you for taking the time to review my petition and for considering the impact these extenuating circumstances had on my academic performance. I appreciate any understanding and the opportunity to provide context for my performance in POLS 111.

Sincerely,
Geneva Cho