Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Hello, I am writing to appeal the requirement to withdraw for a period of one academic year from the Faculty of Arts and Science. Circumstances beyond my control, concerning psychological and family problems, have resulted in a lack of academic performance on my part. I do not believe this is a case of laziness and/or carelessness. For the past year and a half my parents have been going through severe marital issues which have not been concealed from neither me nor my younger brother. The stressful environment around me during my University years have been distracting, and not allowing me to performing to my full academic abilities. As a result of my parents ongoing strained marriage, and the strong possibility of a divorce taking place, I have been taking on much stress which has resulted in panic attacks and bouts of what feels like depression at seeing what my parents are going through, along with my younger brother. I have been as well taking on responsibilities concerning my 15 year old brother, such as helping him cope with the horrible disintegration of our parents marriage, and driving him to his wrestling matches along with any other extracurriculars. I have taken on more than the normal sisterly duties, likely because of a guilt I feel because of what my mother is going through. The steps I took to deal with these extenuating circumstances have not been taken up with professionals, however with my close friend. I have difficulty opening up to people, and the thought of speaking with somebody I do not know has been very difficult. I have as well been a confidante to my best friend Alexandria, and been taking on her own many issues as my own. I plan to direct her to speak to a professional, as I am struggling with stressing for her.
I have been taking on a lot of responsibilities, and such distractions have negatively affected my GPA. Upon receiving the letter for withdrawal I have realized the steps I need to now take to prove to this University that I truly want to be attending, and succeeding, to the best of my abilities. I understand the privilege it is to be given the chance to return upon a year, however nothing is more important than receiving my education as quickly as possible. I am eager to get back on track and prove to the Faculty that a year off is not necessary, and that I am truly more than capable to get back to my studies with full attention, removing the distractions around me. Failure is not an option, and to withdraw for a year feels like I have been taken from my dream to pursue a higher education. I am making the change to remove myself from my environment, and plan to move out of home and live with fellow peers who are as well focused on their studies and doing well. This, I believe, is what is necessary to get back on track and focus fully with no distractions.