Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: I have longstanding mental health challenges, which have been documented in my existing health accommodations from QSAS. These mental challenges, as well as physical health challenges spun out of control last term. From October 15th –November 1st I was experiencing severe side-effects from a new SSRI that I had been taking, so I was unable to attend class. On November 3rd I was able to return to class. Later in the day I ordered a vegan drink from the Starbucks in Mitchell Hall (I double-checked that it was okay for my allergies). However, it was clear that a mistake was made, as immediately upon drinking it I had an anaphylactic reaction and had to go to the hospital and take my EpiPen. I experienced significant after-effects for several days from taking the EpiPen and again missed several classes. On November 18th I experienced presyncope on campus. I collapsed in a campus classroom and was unable to stand for multiple hours, and an ambulance was called. From November 18th – December 7th my mental and physical health deteriorated significantly, and I collapsed in a classroom again. On December 8th I had to visit the emergency room another time, where I was given an IV, and the doctor indicated that I had a severe flu and needed extended time off (letter attached). In total, between these mental and physical challenges I missed the Latin exam, two of the tests, and over half of my classes. I am very committed to Latin, and excelled last year when my health was not obstructing my work (A+ in LATN 110). Professor D’Elia was quite sympathetic to my challenges. He corresponded with my QSAS advisor (Toni Thornton) and indicated that he would be willing to support my request for a late drop.

I have been working closely with my GP on these issues and she has offered to provide further information if this is required to successfully drop the course late.

Thanks for your kind consideration of this request.