Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Dr. Naaman,

I hope this letter finds you well. My name is Nathan Lackman-Caplin, and I am a second-year
biochemistry specialization student. I am writing to you today to petition for credit standing in
three of my fall 2025 courses: CHEM 212, BCHM 218, and PHGY 215.

Throughout the fall semester, there were multiple extenuating circumstances, including the
sudden loss of my dog, the diagnosis of a chronic medical condition, and the death of a close
family member. The loss of my dog occurred in late September and caused me great sadness and
anxiety. Symptoms for my medical condition had started appearing in April 2025 but
significantly worsened in September of that year. I spoke to my doctor and received a referral to
a specialist. I was then booked for a procedure to examine and diagnose my condition over the
October mid-term break. After being diagnosed, I was placed on medication and routinely
followed up, but there was significant stress before the break regarding the pending procedure
and after the break due to the chronic diagnosis. Of note, these two circumstances greatly
affected my midterm exam performance, as they occurred right when my midterm exams were
scheduled. Finally, my great-grandmother passed away in early December, right before exams
started. This caused me great sadness on top of my normal exam-related stress. Together, these
factors led to a substantially lower academic performance in CHEM 212, BCHM 218, and
PHGY 215 during the fall 2025 term. These courses were exam-heavy, and the tests occurred
around the dates of my extenuating circumstances. My other two courses that term, CHEM 211
and BIOL 243, were less exam-heavy and relied more on assignments for their assessments. This
allowed me to pace myself through the project so as to not let any acute effects from my
extenuating circumstances affect me.

Regarding my medical condition, I am under the care of a specialist who is constantly
monitoring my condition and adjusting my treatment when necessary. Furthermore, I have
secured QSAS accommodations for this condition so that its impact on my academics is
lessened. Though flare-ups of this condition are possible and occur randomly, treatment
adjustments and the QSAS accommodations should limit any effect they have on my academics
going forward. Regarding the long-term anxiety and sadness all three extenuating circumstances
have caused me, I am working with my therapist on stress management strategies and with my
family doctor to explore other options to manage the stress and depression. Finally, I am working
with my SASS advisor to develop an academic plan so that the impact of any extenuating
circumstances this semester, including the ongoing management of my medical condition, is
minimized to the fullest extent. I believe that by taking these steps, I will be able to better
manage any stress these circumstances have caused me and any effects from potential future
events. Additionally, my updated QSAS accommodations and meetings with my SASS advisor
will allow me to better focus on my academics without the stress of my chronic condition
affecting me. Thank you for considering my petition.

Sincerely,
Nathan Lackman-Caplin