Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: To the Associate Dean (Studies):

I am appealing to drop HLTH 101 (Fall, 2019) and PHIL 347 (Fall, 2019) after the academic drop deadline. I did not drop the courses by the academic deadline because, at the time, I felt that I could still complete the required coursework. However, due to extenuating circumstances, I am unable to complete these courses. I have spoken with the professors for these courses, and although I have completed some coursework and participated in class, I have been advised that I cannot be granted Incomplete (IN) standing for these courses.

I am also requesting an amendment to appeal number 6117. My request is for an extension of the Incomplete (IN) for PHIL 250 (Fall/Winter, 2018-2019) past December 31, 2019, as I am unable to complete all of the academic requirements for this course by the December 31 deadline. During the Fall 2019 term, I have attempted to complete the remaining coursework and have corresponded with the instructor; however, I have not been successful in completing the remaining assignments, as the majority of the time that I was able to work was spent on readings. I have spoken with the instructor, Prof. David Bakhurst, and he supports my request for an extension.

Ongoing health concerns have affected my physical health since approximately October 13, 2019. Initially, the symptoms moderately affected my ability to fulfill academic duties, and I expected them to resolve quickly. During that time, I tried my best to keep up with course work. I was able to do readings and attend seminars, lectures, and tutorials. I was actively participating in PHIL 347 seminars, and I was also able to keep up with assessments for HLTH 101 and was in good standing with the course.

On October 29, 2019 I was notified that my father suddenly became critically ill and was hospitalized. Unfortunately, I recently found out that my father has been diagnosed with end-stage cancer and as a result I have decided to take an indefinite leave and attend to family out-of-province. It was difficult to make a decision so close to the academic drop deadline, as this was an unexpected family emergency and it is a very difficult and uncertain time for my family. I intended to continue with my courses, so I submitted a Request for Academic Consideration for 4 days to 3 months, and this was approved (Request Number 11523). I was away for over two weeks; therefore, I was unable to attend seminars, lectures, or tutorials. I attempted to keep up with minor assignments and readings while I was away, but to a limited extent due to the circumstances. I was unable to complete any major assignments. This family situation is ongoing and is also affecting my mental health. I am currently taking leave, again, to support my family and for my personal health.

At the same time, my personal health issues have also worsened, and they continue to severely affect my ability to function in any activities, including activities of daily living. After seeking medical advice, I have been told that the only course of action is to wait for the symptoms to resolve. I am still experiencing symptoms that make cognitive tasks difficult and are affecting my ability to work. My physical condition has prevented me from attending seminars, lectures, or tutorials. Additionally, these extenuating circumstances have exacerbated the chronic mental illness that I suffer from, and this also negatively affects my ability to fulfill academic duties. I am experiencing severe anxiety, stress, emotional trauma, and depression, which makes it difficult for me to function. I continue to seek medical advice to help manage these ongoing health concerns.

At this time, my priority is to finish PHIL 250 because it is a degree requirement. Since PHIL 250 is only offered once per academic year, I would like to try to avoid having to drop and repeat it and further delay progress on my degree. In my current state, I am not sure how much I will be able to accomplish, and I may need to repeat the course. If I recover sufficiently by Winter 2020 term, my plan is to only enrol in one new course at most. However, the course of my physical illness is unpredictable, and I will continue to work with my medical resources to see how best to manage it. I am also in the process of working with my psychiatrist to try to stabilize my mental health. I will re-evaluate my physical and mental health at the beginning of Winter 2020 term, to determine if I will be able to enrol in any courses, but I would like the opportunity to try to complete PHIL 250 during Winter 2020 term.

I have attached some supporting documentation. I can provide further details of my situation or further supporting documentation, if necessary.

Thank you for your time and kind consideration.


Sincerely,


Nancy Shiao-Yin Chua
Student 05277663