Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dr. Johanne Bénard,

I am writing this appeal to request dropping two courses: SOCY 225 and SOCY 336, after the drop deadline. I have recently been experiencing tremendous difficulty coping with my mental health, specifically my depression and anxiety issues. My depression has been dramatically effecting my sleep and my ability to get myself up and out of bed. Due to this, I have attended very few classes and tutorials that I have had for these classes throughout the Winter 2016 term. As well, because I have not been able to get myself out of bed and have been sleeping so much, I have not been able to focus and concentrate on my assignments or readings, thus I have fallen far behind and missed a few assignments for each class. Missing so many classes, assignments, and readings only causes me more stress, creating a vicious cycle.

I have been working with my psychologist weekly and my family physician every few weeks trying to work out what has been going on and trying to learn different strategies to cope with my illness. My medications have changed a few times in attempt to find something that works for me, but it has not been successful as of yet. Currently, it is my priority to try and get back to myself, and back to being in a healthy mind frame. Trying to work on my health as well as attempting to focus on classes (with no avail) has been extremely challenging. I do not believe at this current point it is in my best interest to continue taking these two classes as the stress of them is only making my health worse.

I have already contacted both of my professors, Sachil Singh and Andrew Silver, notifying them of my mental health issues as well as my plan to drop their courses. I have heard back from both professors and they are supportive of my decision and application to appeal dropping the courses.

If you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me.

I appreciate your consideration.

Best Regards,

Erin Parkin