Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear the Associate Dean,

I am appealing to request credit standings in PSYC 271 course that I was taken during the fall term of 2017.
I was experiencing several circumstances last academic year but I have improved on them significantly during the fall term. I was able to sleep better than before, felt generally happier and healthier and I was able to concentrate and enjoy most of my classes for the past term. However, I experienced illness for two weeks during the first third of the term. I started to experience a slight headache and low fever since the 26th of September, so I decide to stay home and rest and hoped it could get better. However, I experienced serious throat pain and the fever continue to be worse. I would have a high fever as high as 39-40 degree every day and I had to take two or three times of Tylenol per day to reduce the heat. After experiencing repeatedly occurring high fever for a week, I knew that the illness was not going away, so I went to the hospital emergency with my mom to check. I got prescribed antibiotics and painkillers from the doctor and be advised to stay home and rest for another one or two weeks.
According to the syllabus of PSYC 271, we were supposed to finish 3 chapters and have the exam on Oct.5. As a consequence of the illness, I missed the entire study on the chapter 3 and had no strength to support me for the midterm exam that came up right after. I couldn't attend the Mandarin tutorial of week 3&4 in which I should lead the study of the student as the teaching assistant. What even worse was that I spent my 23-year-old birthday on the bed. It was a sad situation since I actually wanted to go to class because I actually liked the course. But I couldn't go due to the unexpected illness. After recovering from the illness, I went to take the exam and realize that was a huge mistake because I realized that I could probably use more time to study and ask for accommodation to take the test later. I went to talk to the professor and found out that I couldn't really do anything afterward. The second and third section of the study didn't really go well since I didn't form the solid foundation study that prepares me for the further challenge. And I was hopeless in terms of improving my grades when I pretty much gave up on the first mid-term.
There are several reasons for applying for the credit standing of this course. First of all, I think it does not truly reflect my ability in doing this course. I believe I could do much better if I had the strength to study and review for the first mid-term exam. Secondly, I was trying my best to improve my GPA and prepare for graduation. It would be really disadvantaging to have a grade range of D on my transcript for the last two years of university If I want to apply for graduate school. I couldn't really risk that since I have already decided to stay for one more year to prepare for that.
I knew that I couldn't be sick again for the term; so I arrange fitness sessions with a personal trainer to improve my health conditions. I would also go and play squash and basketball sometimes with my friends. Due to that, I was able to remain healthy for the rest of the term and kept myself in good mood despite all the stressful situations.
Please understand that it was a difficult time for me and I would try my best to stay healthy so that I can perform well not only on the academic challenges but also my life as well. Thank you for taking time to consider this appeal.

Sincerely,
Zhao Hui Wang (10149570)