Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: I am appealing to drop CHEM281 (summer 2019). I have been, and am currently, struggling with mental health issues that have heavily affected my studies. I returned home to live with my family for the summer in BC and since May have been having a very hard time. My father, who I live with, is in the middle of a messy divorce which has been troubling for me. I¿¿ve had to step up at work and with taking care of a younger sister who is also heavily affected by the separation. Around the middle of May things got really tough for and I was unable to do any schoolwork for weeks. Near the end of May I tried to catch up but was unable to find the time or energy in my condition along with with the demands of what my family was going through. I have only been able to complete some readings, one assignment, and none of the lab work that is essential for the exam. Even now we are still struggling, and the state that these events and my past history have put me in have made it monumental for me to approach my studies.
My intention in taking this course was to work hard and enjoy continuing my studies over the summer, but my circumstances have made that impossible for me. The stress of completing all of the course work in the remaining week seems daunting to me so I ask that I am allowed to drop this course as I should have done earlier on when these problems started. I have been seeking out counselling once a week hoping it would help, as it has in the past for me, but my mental health is still suffering. I have reached out to a doctor for medication and am able to provide documentation of my diagnosis as required.
I plan on retaking this course in the fall when I am in a more stable environment and can use the resources available to me to manage my ongoing struggles. Thank you for taking the time to read this letter and consider my appeal,

Sincerely,

Mia Wilkinson