Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Associate Dean (Studies),

I am appealing to drop PSYC 241 (Fall, 2017). Generalized anxiety disorder and major depressive disorder have impaired my ability and motivation to learn, synthesize, and study information. I have experienced a loss of energy, shortness of breath, social anxiety, unhealthy sleeping patterns, a poor appetite, poor self-esteem, and trouble concentrating. In addition, in September I began taking an anti-depressant medication that produced intermittent nausea which made it difficult to concentrate. Throughout this semester, it has been a challenge for me to manage my mental health and the academic responsibilities that five courses demand. I have found it challenging to attend lectures and focus on learning information. Social and general anxiety have impaired my ability to focus on the professor during lectures and write examinations effectively and efficiently. My worry about the mark I will receive, or whether I can remember course content has compromised my memory and confidence while writing the first and second midterms. Furthermore, my depressive symptoms have decreased my motivation to manage my time and study effectively. As a consequence of these points, my marks and confidence as a student have suffered. Initially, I was in denial about my predicaments; I believed that my lifestyle was not a detriment to my sense of self and well-being. However, after receiving an unusually low midterm mark (60), I realized it is imperative that I improve my health for my future. I have been attending therapy and going to the doctor with the intention of recovering. However, my academic workload continues to impair my ability to focus on personal improvement. I would find it beneficial to drop social psychology to focus on self-improvement and achieving academic success in my other courses.

Kind regards,

Alex Prosserman