Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Associate Dean (Studies): Dr. Johanne Bénard,

I am writing this to appeal courses from Fall 2014, Winter 2015 and Summer 2015. I am appealing to drop SOCY 226 (Fall 2014), Socy 227 (Winter 2015), HIST 210 (Winter 2015) and MUSIC 171 (Summer 2015). I am appealing for Credit standing for SOCY 275 (Fall 2014). I am appealing for Aegrotat standing for HIST 295 (Fall 2014), SOCY 276 (Winter 2015), SOCY 273 (Winter 2015) and HIST 206 (Winter 2015).

Depression was the extenuating circumstance that directly affected my academic performance. This was brought on during my second year due to unhappiness with my courses and degree program. The result of this was my academic performance suffered. The depression interfered with my daily life. I was unable to function normally. I felt a lack of interest and desire to engage in my courses and I experienced problems with oversleeping. This all combined made me unwilling to leave my house and attend class or do my course work. The course work that was affected was essays as I did not have the energy, interest or drive to complete them. I did not attend many classes but I did make sure to show up to write any tests or exams that took place. The particular event occurred middle of first term (Fall 2014) but worsened second term (Winter 2015). I took steps to deal with the extenuating circumstances during and after the occurrence. At the beginning of the Winter 2015 term I met with an academic advisor, Cindy Butts, and discussed my situation. I made steps to appeal my grades for the Fall 2014 term yet, I was unable to complete the process for the same reasons I was unable to finish my course work. Later, at the end of March I knew I had to talk to a counselor and I scheduled an appointment with the Health, Counselling and Disability Services on campus. I met with a counselor at the beginning of April. This meeting was useful for me personally but I was unable to make any steps with my current courses, as it was too late in the term. I was still dealing with the depression until I came home from university and was removed from the situation. This is why I am only now able to appeal for courses from the Fall 2014 and Winter 2015. I have since been attending a counselor on a regular basis. This has helped me address what happened and to take steps to insure I do not succumb to a similar experience.

With seeing a counsellor I made plans for achieving academic success for this school year. The personal adjustments to succeed in my future studies include: taking a lighter course load of four courses, changing my major and minor and maintaining regular meetings with my personal counselor. Taking a lighter course load allowed me an easier transition and made sure I was not overwhelmed. My previous degree plan was a history major and sociology minor. I was unhappy with my history courses therefore I felt a change to a sociology major and film minor would fulfill me. This has proven to be the case as I already enjoy my courses immensely more than last year. Keeping my sessions with my personal counselor will keep me accountable and give me the support I need to be a successful student. I have also discussed with my counselor small changes I should make to my daily routine to help me succeed. This includes: staying on campus during the day to finish my work, have a support system and find an enjoyable extracurricular activity. I have been putting this plan into action and have joined ASUS photography committee and an intermural ice hockey team. Additionally, I will establish a daily routine of sticking to a sleep schedule and having my daily meals planned out. I believe that the plans I have prepared will allow me to achieve academic success.

Thank you,
Robyn Berry