Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: I am applying to submit an academic appeal past the 21-day deadline. This appeal will seek both Credit Standing and late drops of the courses that led to my requirement to withdraw for three years, clearing the way for me to return to my studies in the Fall of 2016. The basis of the appeal is the presence of serious extenuating circumstances for which I have professional documentation. I have along with my letter of appeal crafted a detailed academic plan with the help of Spring Forsberg-Lewis of the Faculty of Arts and Science and Linda Williams of the Student Academic Success Service, among others. The fact that I did not file the appeal within the 21 days was not due to disorganization but was rather the result of careful consideration. I did not at that time feel confident, as I do now, that I was in a position to make a successful return to studies the following September. The circumstances that led to my requirement to withdraw were not at that time resolved and therefore I felt it irresponsible to proceed. As I mentioned above I have full professional documentation to support this position, along with the rest of my appeal. Given my academic standing I knew that I could not afford another failed year and resolved to only return when I was in the best possible position to succeed and had all my ducks in a row, so to speak. I am now in such a position, mentally and financially. I had hoped to have this matter resolved before the start of classes, though this plan was frustrated by difficulty securing an advising appointment in the past weeks. However, Spring Forsberg-Lewis has indicated that given my circumstances and the documentation I have available it would be prudent to attend lectures for the classes in which I intend to register. This will ensure a smooth re-entry should my appeal be granted.