Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Associate Dean,

I am appealing to drop STAT 361 (fall, 2020).
Due to COVID-19, I have lost two grandparents, one quite recently and one a month ago. I have a total of 4 courses this semester and wish to drop STAT 361 as I need to take the exam in order to receive a passing grade. I feel as though the exams in my other courses will also be hard, but I will not need to do quite as well on those to receive a decent mark. Given the circumstances of COVID-19 as a whole and loss and mental health, there is no way I will be able to perform well in this course.
I had a zoom call with Peter Taylor, who told me it is a good idea right now for me to drop this course and he referred me to this. I have been struggling with mental health for a while, and have talked to student wellness in the past about changing an exam to a different day. Given the circumstances I am currently facing, my mental health has gotten much worse with online school and dealing with the loss of family. These issues have not been resolved, I think only time can help with loss, but I am currently trying to get an appointment with my doctor to get medication. I want to do well in school and I am trying my best to get better, but these losses have been a huge setback for me. These specific events have made it hard for me to focus on school work and have any motivation to do well. I have been trying to get an appointment with my doctor for a while, but I am living at home in a small town and the process is much longer because of COVID.
I did not drop this course during the academic term because I did not expect to lose another grandparent so close to exams. I will drop STAT 464 next semester as 361 is a prerequisite for that course. I am still thinking about taking this course next year, although Professor Taylor recommended I take MATH courses as I do not need any more STAT courses. I intend to take MATH courses and possibly a BIOM course as professor Taylor suggested, as well as some fun electives to ensure my workload is not too heavy. I intend on being a full time student next semester and next year and I hope to talk to Student Wellness more often to help with managing all of the circumstances. I also plan to continue talking with my doctor and progressing with my mental health. Doing so will help with motivation for school as well as performance on tests and exams. I do not have a letter from a professional, as I have said I have not been able to physically go in and receive an assessment. My grandpas obituary is included, there is not one for my other grandpa yet.

Thanks for your time,
Harley Easton
20053241