Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Associate Dean of Studies,

I am appealing my failed grades in CISC 121 and CISC 102 in hopes of receiving 'dropped' standing in the courses on my transcript. I have successfully completed two years majoring in Global Development and minoring in Political Studies.

In January of this year, I investigated the possibility of transferring into Computing and the Creative Arts. I took actions to make this switch by enrolling in the appropriate courses for the Summer. I chose to not ease my financial stress by working a job, but rather dedicated my summer to studying the required courses. Throughout the summer I worked incredibly hard to do well on all of my assignments and, despite being out of an academic setting and in a brand new area of study, worked diligently every day in hopes of receiving the results I wanted.

I did not know at the time that I was not only working hard to do well but also working hard to compensate for the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, ADHD, I was unaware I had and was not diagnosed with until August 18th, 2016. This was following my completion of the courses. It is frustrating, to say the least, that had I been aware of this previously I would have performed differently in the courses. This would have shifted my university experience and ultimately changed the trajectory of my entire life.

I was overwhelmed with the weight of the exams, which would determine my successful transfer into the program. I also had difficulty with the formats which were both different from any of my previous university exams and different from previous courses assessments which allowed course material. I now realize that the extreme procrastination, inefficient studying methods and inability to focus for long periods of time was a result of the ADHD.

As I return to my previous program this Fall, I am excited for what the diagnosis means. Firstly, I will no longer be emotionally burdened with the belief that I was simply less intelligent or incapable of reaching higher success. Secondly, I plan on communicating and using resources available to me when needed to make sure I am taking proactive steps regarding my disability. Finally, I plan to stay in communication with my family doctor and pursue different strategies including, but not limited to, medication and counselling.

While it may be too late to pursue transferring to the Computing and the Creative Arts stream for this year, I do plan on continuing my passion on the side and also using this entire experience as a learning opportunity for the future.

Sincerely,


Laura O'Grady
10146565