Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Academic Petition for Continuation of Studies

To the Academic Petitions Committee,

I am writing to respectfully request that I be permitted to continue my studies and that my required withdrawal be reconsidered.

I understand that my academic record has not met the University's expectations and that my performance over several years has resulted in my current standing. I take responsibility for my academic outcomes and recognize the seriousness of this situation. However, I ask the Committee to consider the significant circumstances that contributed to my academic difficulties and the substantial changes that have recently occurred in my ability to understand and address them.

Since beginning university, I have struggled academically despite making my education my primary focus. I consistently devoted significant time and effort to studying, often sacrificing my social life and personal activities in an attempt to improve my performance. Despite these efforts, I experienced ongoing difficulties with concentration, information retention, task completion, organization, and managing academic demands. At the time, I did not understand why my efforts were not producing the results I expected.

During my studies, I also faced significant personal challenges. I lost my father in middle school and have largely navigated university independently without the financial and emotional support that many students rely upon. I have also experienced mental health challenges and sought assistance through therapy and academic advising whenever possible. In addition, I experienced an unexpected pregnancy and subsequent abortion while continuing my studies. Throughout these challenges, I remained committed to completing my education and pursuing my long-term goals.

Most importantly, I was recently diagnosed with ADHD and OCD following a comprehensive medical assessment. These diagnoses have provided a long-awaited explanation for many of the difficulties that affected my academic performance throughout my university career. Prior to receiving these diagnoses, I spent years believing that my struggles were the result of personal shortcomings or a lack of ability. In reality, I was attempting to navigate significant and previously undiagnosed conditions without appropriate treatment, accommodations, or support. In addition to these challenges, I am still experiencing financial difficulties that limited my access to reliable academic resources. During the second semester, my computer broke unexpectedly, and I am still unable to afford repairs or replacement costs. As a result, I completed coursework primarily using an iPad, which created additional difficulties with accessing course materials, completing assignments efficiently, maintaining organization, and managing academic responsibilities effectively.

Since receiving these diagnoses in February, I have taken active steps to address these barriers. I am working with healthcare professionals, pursuing treatment, and seeking academic accommodations and support services. For the first time, I have a clearer understanding of the challenges that contributed to my academic performance and access to the tools and resources necessary to manage them effectively.

Since beginning treatment following my diagnosis, I have already noticed meaningful improvements in my ability to engage with academic work. During examinations and coursework this semester, I found myself better able to focus on the questions in front of me rather than becoming overwhelmed by intrusive thoughts, self-doubt, or distractions in my environment. For the first time, I felt capable of reading and processing exam questions without being consumed by concerns that I was working too slowly, that my answers were automatically incorrect, or that others were judging my performance. While treatment is still ongoing and I continue to develop effective strategies, these changes have given me confidence that the challenges which previously interfered with my academic performance can now be addressed more effectively.

I am not asking the Committee to overlook my academic record. Rather, I am asking for the opportunity to demonstrate my ability to succeed now that the underlying causes of my academic struggles have been identified and are being addressed. Earning my degree remains one of the most important goals in my life, and I am committed to taking the necessary steps to achieve academic success. I have developed a concrete academic recovery plan and am prepared to fully engage with the supports and accommodations available to me.

I respectfully request permission to continue my studies under academic probation or another appropriate academic standing rather than being required to withdraw. I am prepared to comply with any conditions the University believes are necessary to support my success.

Thank you for your time, consideration, and review of my circumstances.

Sincerely,

Isabella Garrido
20400090