Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Associate Dean,

I am writing to formally request consideration of a petition to continue my current enrollment in HLTH 101. Due to important extenuating circumstances beyond my control, I am deeply requesting permission to withdraw from this course.

Over the last month, the ongoing war in Iran has been deeply affecting my mental health. I have family there and have not been able to contact them due to internet blackouts. The situation has escalated, with increasing threats and uncertainty, making it extremely difficult for me to focus on my academic responsibilities. The unpredictable state has significantly contributed to my stress and anxiety. Despite attempting to stay engaged, I have found it extremely challenging to study properly and prepare for my upcoming exam.

Specifically, over the past few days leading up to the course drop deadline, the tensions of the war have increased further, with many public threats and uncertainty about escalation. During this time, I was anxiously focused and monitoring the situation, and was not in the right mental state to make a clear academic decision. Unfortunately, I was unable to make the decision to drop the course before the deadline on Monday.

These circumstances have directly impacted my academic performance in HLTH 101, specifically my preparation for the final exam. When I first enrolled in this course, I believed I would be able to manage it alongside other commitments, as it is an elective. However, due to the current situation, I have been unable to dedicate the necessary time and mental focus to succeed and prepare. After calculating my potential grade based on my current standing and the weight of the final, I am very concerned that my performance in this course will negatively affect my GPA. This is significant as I am in the current process of transferring to the University of Guelph for Fall 2026. I have spoken directly with admissions at Guelph, and they confirmed that removing this elective course will not affect my transfer, as long as I remain enrolled in my required (transfer credit) SOCY 101.

Due to this circumstance, I cannot provide documentation. However, with the ongoing conflict and internet blackouts in Iran, it has been widely reported and has prevented communication with my family there.

Given these circumstances, I believe dropping this course is the most reasonable decision for both my academic record and well-being. I respectfully ask for your understanding and consideration of my circumstances. Thank you very much for your time and attention to my request.

Sincerely,

Tara Assefi
20550050

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