Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Associate Dean (Academic),

I am writing to request a late course drop for PHGY 215 (Fall 2025 term) due to extenuating circumstances beyond my control that significantly affected my academic performance during that period.

During the Fall 2025 semester, I experienced significant mental health challenges, including debilitating anxiety, panic, and feelings of overwhelm, as outlined in my supporting documentation. These symptoms persisted throughout the term and intensified during key academic periods, particularly around the midterm and final assessments. This significantly impacted my ability to effectively engage with my academic responsibilities, making it increasingly difficult to focus, process information, and perform under pressure. At times, these challenges were also accompanied by physical symptoms, which further impaired my ability to consistently engage in coursework and assessments.

As a result, my ability to complete coursework, assignments, and examinations to the best of my ability was significantly impaired throughout the Fall 2025 term. Although I made consistent efforts to remain engaged in the course and complete required work, my symptoms limited my capacity to fully demonstrate my understanding and apply the knowledge I had acquired. This directly affected my performance in PHGY 215 and resulted in a final grade that does not accurately reflect my capabilities or the effort I invested in the course. The structure and demands of this course, including its cumulative assessments and rigorous content, made it particularly difficult to manage alongside these symptoms, which is why this course was disproportionately affected.

Due to the severity and persistence of these symptoms during the term, I was not in a position to fully assess my academic standing or take appropriate action prior to the Week 8 Academic Drop deadline. This was particularly challenging as my symptoms worsened around this time, further limiting my ability to respond appropriately. As a result, my ability to make informed decisions regarding my coursework was significantly impacted, thereby preventing me from pursuing a course drop when it would have been appropriate to do so.

Since the Fall 2025 term, I have continued to seek ongoing professional support and have taken steps to address these challenges. I am now in a more stable position and better able to manage my academic responsibilities moving forward.

If granted this request, I plan to retake PHGY 215 in a future term in order to obtain a grade that more accurately reflects my understanding and capabilities. In preparation for this, I have taken concrete steps to implement more structured and effective strategies to manage my workload and support my overall well-being. Moving forward, I will continue to prioritize these supports and maintain a structured approach to my studies to ensure that I am able to meet the demands of the course and perform at my full potential.

I have included supporting documentation that outlines these circumstances and their impact during the Fall 2025 term. Please let me know if any additional information or documentation would be helpful.

Given the extent to which these extenuating circumstances affected both my academic performance and my ability to meet the course drop deadline, I respectfully request consideration for a late withdrawal from PHGY 215.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
Chloe Weizman