Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: To: Dr. Johanne Benard
Associate Dean (Studies), Faculty of Arts and Science


I am appealing to drop a number of my classes from the 2016-2017 school year. Specifically, ENGL 306, ENGL 356, ENGL 360, ENGL 234 (Fall 2016), ENGL 238 (Winter 2017), and PHYS P20 (Winter 2017). I am also appealing to receive credit standing on a course from Fall 2016, CLST 205, which I received a D level grade in.

Over the course of this school year, I have suffered from severely debilitating mental health challenges. As explained in the medical letter attached to my appeal, I have been diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder and Generalized Anxiety Disorder. These illnesses have affected my ability to function academically over the course of both fall and winter terms, and as a result, my grades will and have suffered greatly.

These illnesses have hindered my ability to make it to class, often preventing me from even leaving the house for days on end. They also have affected how my motivation and focus allow me to complete work, readings, and assignments for all these classes. Finally, they impede my body¿¿s ability to both fall asleep, as well as stay asleep, resulting in poor and lowered functioning in general day to day life. I had considered dropping some of my courses in February, and in fact had dropped one of them in November in an attempt to salvage my grades, however I was determined to try and finish the year. It was only until after the official drop date that I realized how in over my head I was, and had to concede that dropping my courses was the best option.

In attempts to resolve my current mental health situation, I have been seeing my therapist in Kingston, Marlo Craig. With her help I am working towards regulating and understanding my mental health struggles, as well as finding solutions to current issues. I will continue to work with her over the summer and into the next academic year. I also am in the process of acquiring medication for my specific ailments with the help of my doctor Leslie Beyers.

I also plan to file a request to switch degrees from a B.A. honours to a B.A. general. This will mean fewer course requirements for the upcoming academic year, and provide me with a lighter course load. My hope is that this will help alleviate stress from my schoolwork and allow me to graduate on time within the four year period. If my academic appeal were granted, it would mean a serious relief for my stress load, and impact my current mental state in a positive way.

Thank you for your consideration,

Sarah Kabrajee
10135099