Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: I am writing to formally request permission to late drop POLS 285 due to extenuating mental health circumstances that significantly impacted my academic performance this term.
Throughout the semester, I experienced short-term mental health challenges that affected my ability to attend classes consistently, concentrate during lectures, and complete assignments effectively. I submitted multiple academic considerations during this period as I was actively trying to understand and manage what I was experiencing. Despite these efforts, my symptoms persisted and interfered with my academic functioning.
Specifically, my mental health difficulties resulted in frequent absences, reduced ability to focus on course material, and difficulty completing written assessments. This course in particular required consistent engagement and strong written responses, and because I missed key instructional content, I struggled to keep up with the material. As a result, I was unable to adequately prepare for the final exam, which relies heavily on written explanations and conceptual understanding that I was not able to fully develop under these circumstances.
It is important to note that I am currently passing all of my other courses this academic year. This highlights that the challenges I faced were not due to a lack of effort or commitment, but rather the significant impact of my mental health on this specific course.
Since then, I have taken steps to address these challenges. I am now attending therapy and actively working on my mental health, and I feel stable and prepared to continue my studies for the remainder of the academic year.
During this time, I was also in contact with my professors and they are aware with the struggle I have been going through.
Given these circumstances, I am requesting approval to late drop this course so that it does not negatively affect my academic record. This decision is not taken lightly, but I believe it is necessary in order to accurately reflect my academic abilities under more stable conditions.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Meah
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