Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Associate Dean (Studies),


I am writing to appeal to drop PHARM 100 (Summer 2020), LAW 207 (Fall 2020) and REL 239 (Fall 2020).

This appeal comes with a great amount of thought and consideration therefore primarily thank you greatly for allowing me the opportunity to explain my circumstances. I admit I have had a very tough time this semester not only adjusting as a second-year undergraduate student during a pandemic but also dealing with some rather personal circumstances which have unfortunately altered my mental and physical health in recent months. In the summer, I began to struggle deeply with my attention. The thought of sitting down to do work became unbearable and frustrating thus I could not pinpoint why I was struggling so much with staying on top of my work. My continuous efforts failed and discouraged me significantly. It has been a lot having to manage alone especially through remote learning, this officially took a turn about a month ago when I decided it was time to speak to my doctor about my continuing unusual difficulties because I had put my deepest efforts and it was not enough causing my academics to suffer. My doctor immediately after speaking with me suspected an attention deficit disorder (ADD). The conversation with my doctor alone gave me such great relief and put me to ease knowing that there is in fact an internal demon I have been competing with in my head. I have since been referred to a psychologist for further evaluation and aid in the problem.

My problems began earlier in the summer months and eventually my mental health became the reason which held me back. At the time, I did not assume it was serious however as months went on my condition worsened and I felt helpless. Upon returning to school, the problem continued however I was able to keep up a little more until miserably failing once again. This issue had been haunting me for months thus the idea that it could be an attention disorder had not crossed my mind. These courses specifically required various critical deadlines and group assignments which I was mentally just unable to do. Since contacting my doctor, I have taken the appropriate measures in contacting my professors and student wellness¿¿ in aiding me to get back on track with my studies, with the issue now being recognized. This has taken a great toll on my academics that I did not know it could. It is a feeling so difficult to describe as it is ultimately the reason why I was unable of proceeding in these courses. I truly believed I could handle these burdens; I tried my best, but I simply cannot continue. My mental health has become the grave reason of my performance in these courses.

I will focus more on my health and have been looking into receiving professional help that will aid me not only in my future studies, but in my life moving forward with this disorder. I would like to thank you once again for considering my appeal and hope you can understand my grounds.

Thank you so much.
Sincerely,

Aleksandra (Ola) Zakrzewska
20173646