Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: To Whom It May Concern:

RE: Academic Appeal - 2 summer courses, 2018 Math 121 & Physics 118

I would like to appeal the 2 courses that I failed last summer. These 2 courses remain a weight that I carry personally as well as on my GPA. Since then I have considered the events of last summer and have processed what I believe are extenuating circumstances. I am aware that I am significantly past the formal deadline for appeal. I have clarity now and would like to elaborate upon those circumstances.

The basis of my appeal is that my grandfather died on June 16th, 2018. I thought that I would be okay, and could force my way through these 2 difficult courses. I kept at it even though I couldn't focus. After my father moved permanently to Australia in 2004, Granddad helped my mum to raise me and my 2 sisters, Courtenay and Helen. He watched us, dropped off groceries, picked us up from school, ate dinner with us every weekend, and attended all of our school concerts, events, and assemblies. He taught me to throw a baseball and was very proud when I earned my black belt at age 14 and started coaching.

The experience of my Granddad's critical illness, tentative good-byes leading up to surgery, and his subsequent time in the ICU impacted me a lot. We had a powerful time around his bed when we said good-bye for good on June 16th, the day before Father's Day. His Celebration of Life was held on August 12, 2018. He was so proud of me and I wanted to make him proud by persevering and succeeding in my studies. It was misguided and I needed to be in good shape and clear-minded due to the difficulties of taking both accelerated courses at once. I was not in touch with what was going on for me and tried to push through when I needed to stop and grieve for a little while. I miss my Granddad dearly, and writing this letter was very difficult for me. I need to set that aside now, given the importance of this appeal.

I have attached a copy of his death certificate. Please let me know if I can provide further information or documentation. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Daniel Lord