Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: To the Associate Dean,

My name is Gloria Baker and I am writing to appeal the 21-day deadline. I believe that my extenuating circumstances extended the 21 days and I was in no position mentally to manage my academics. The academic year of 2015/2016 I was asked to withdraw for one year due to my poor academic standing. I would like to appeal that decision and have it removed from my transcript. In the beginning months of my second year I had attained some unsettling information relating to my family. Not knowing how to handle such a revelation I fell into a state of depression. As a result, my academics suffered greatly. While in this state I stopped leaving my house and distanced myself from friends and family. After which, I began to numb my emotional senses with drugs and alcohol. I found trouble motivating myself to do anything in the day. By the time confrontation had occurred within my family it was nearing the end of the school year. Although I was aware of my poor academic standing; trying to reform my sense of identity took priority. I had come to an understanding that time away from school and the move back home was necessary for me to succeed in the future. Once I had returned home I sought out a counsellor to try to manage my emotions and reground myself. The steady and structured environment helped me to reprioritize my life. During the year away from school I took on multiple jobs to keep myself occupied, all of which gave me a greater appreciation of the academic environment. This time also gave me a chance to revaluate the people I surround myself with to better develop. Since returning to school I have done my best to make academics a priority, however I was not ready to revisit my circumstances. I have continued to work consistently and been sure to take advantage of the recourses available on campus. Over Christmas break I had a slight drawback with the emergence of a family member, however I have managed to deal with the situation and its effects rather than dismissing it. I have made regular appointments with counselling services to keep my mental health in check and have learned to better organize my time. In the future I plan to continue the positive path I am on. To take advantage of help when its offered and manage my time more efficiently. The ability to take care of my mental health allows for success in all other areas of my life. I believe my appeal should be granted because although my past academic record is inadequate I have managed to learn more in that time of turmoil than I thought possible. I have a new respect for academic institutions and a better understanding of their importance. I intend to succeed academically in the future and do not believe that my past is an accurate indication of my abilities.