Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: To whom it may concern,

I am writing for an academic appeal to drop one of my courses past the deadline. Over the past few weeks, I have experienced circumstances beyond my control that have affected my academics in my ENGL 281 course.

Early in the semester, I began to have several conflicts with my family. Since Thanksgiving weekend, I have had to break contact with my family, which has in turn affected my mental health and academic performance. My family and I have always had a tense relationship. However, certain circumstances have left me no choice but to break contact.

I wish not to go into details, as this is a personal matter. However, Before the Thanksgiving weekend, I discovered that my mother was having extra-marital relations in a separate province. This was endangering the health of my immunocompromised siblings, as she was travelling back and forth without precaution.

I had to mediate conflicts that emerged as a result, while simultaneously juggling my part time employment (18-20 hours a week) and my academics.

Eventually, I started to feel very tired, unmotivated, and showed other signs of depression and anxiety. I was also using unhealthy habits to cope with my feelings and symptoms. Obviously, this resulted in me not completing certain assignments and discussion posts. I have fallen behind in most of my courses and am currently trying my best to catch up in time for the exam season.

I had believed at first that I could push through these issues and complete the academic semester on a full course load. However, I still feel very overwhelmed, burnt out, unmotivated and tired. I think this is a case where I must admit my best is not quite enough.

I have contacted my primary care physician and am currently seeking help for these issues. As mentioned, I have limited my contact with family which has alleviated a lot of my stress. If I am granted this appeal, I will drop my ENGL 281 course, and try my hardest to complete the semester with my remaining 4 courses. This will not only help my grades but will also alleviate some of the stress I have been feeling.

I truly believe that dropping this course will not only benefit my academic performance in my other courses but will also great benefit my mental well-being.

I thank you for your time,
Rose Wagner