Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Associate Dean,

I am writing to appeal for a late drop in math 101 and Bisc 101 and to appeal for a credit standing in psychology 100 and astronomy 101. This appeal will be based on medical extenuating circumstances, regarding which I will attach documentation.

I have struggled with depression and anxiety since 9th grade. In high school, when it first manifested, I didn't understand that it was not a normal emotional response to everyday stresses and disappointments in life. As I matured and my academic responsibilities became more pronounced, I progressed further into a depressed state. I did not share this with anyone because I assumed that I could handle it myself and eventually overcome it. Although I did not share this with parents, because of my sister¿¿s depression and noticing my unusual behavior, they encouraged me to seek help. Finally at the end of my first semester at the Bader International Study Centre after a near suicide attempt, I realized that I needed medical help and started to see a professional. In combination with my depression, my grandparents worsening health and dire financial situation, contributed to the anxiety I was already feeling about assignments and other general school worries. All of these extenuating circumstances resulted in my withdrawal from social situations, more than I already had, as well as withdrawal from my academic responsibilities. I could not get myself up in the morning to go to class. I found myself unable to complete assignments because of a fog that had come over my brain which limited by ability to think or retain information that I had just read as little as 5 minutes prior. I had trouble sleeping; even if I fell asleep at 9 pm I would toss and turn and only half-sleep until I was exhausted from attempting to sleep that I could only lie and wait for my alarm to sound. I was constantly exhausted and barely had the energy to eat leading to significant weight loss. I saw a counselor at BISC once every two weeks, which I now realize was not enough.

As you may have noticed Spanish 112 is not one of my many classes that I am appealing or dropping. This is due to the fact that I received an acceptable grade in the class. The reason for this is a year prior, I spent a month in Costa Rica intensively learning Spanish and speaking to locals and consequently this course was a reinforcement of my previous Spanish language experiences.

I am now seeing a psychologist and will continue to do so every Thursday. I also will be taking medication to help alleviate the symptoms associated with depression. I anticipate being mentally prepared for school next semester as a result of the combination of medical care and family support.

Thank you,

Diana Ingham