Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Associate Dean of the faculty of Arts & Science,

My name is Tammy Cho, and I am writing you this letter for the purpose of requesting my withdrawal from an elective course: PHIL 157 (Fall, 2020).

I request this permission because in the last three months I have fallen into the worst corners of depression and anxiety. I began this semester like every other student, eager and happy to return to a familiar setting of academia. Despite the ongoing pandemic which shook all of our realities beginning last March, I firmly believed that returning to school, regardless of the new online setting, would provide a sense of comfort and familiarity. I was mistaken. Near the end of September was the beginning of my mental distress ¿¿ on average I had about three hours of sleep per day, I could not complete basic tasks such as cooking or showering, I did not leave the house for as long as a week and a half, and I began to have frequent anxiety attacks which abruptly occurred during the week. And with this, my academic participation in all four of my courses began to fall. Although these changes in my behavior were occurring, I did not accept that I was falling into a depression.

From the end of September to October, I did not reach out to anyone because partly I felt a lot of shame that I let myself fall academically. It was not until November 11, I formally registered with QSAS. Despite reaching out to a certified team, my condition did not improve ¿¿ I began to have harmful thoughts. School was practically non-existent to me, but I so strongly did not want it to be this way. I was able to consult with a doctor from Student Wellness on November 24th, and I received a referral to a psychiatrist for further evaluation ¿¿ my appointment is to take place on December 15th, 2020.

I have reached out to my professors for this term and have set up a plan to work during the winter break and the beginning of the new winter semester to submit the required assignments to pass their course. Although I wish to remain optimistic, realistically, I know I am unable to manage this fourth subject, along with my three other courses within the given time period. Additionally, due to the design of this course¿¿s overall grade evaluations, I am unable to meet its full expectations compared to my other courses. Furthermore, I received the support from the class professor, Dr. Jacqueline Davies, to withdraw from this class. Moving forward, I hope that my meeting with the psychiatrist will result in a firm ongoing treatment plan that includes the right medication and counselling to help me face the day with less pain. I believe that along with medical help, using the time during the winter break I will be able to complete my required assignments and succeed.

And with this, I plead that you will consider my appeal. I firmly believe that my academic performance this year does not accurately reflect the kind of student that I normally am. Thank you for allowing me to explain my circumstances.

Sincerely,

Tammy Cho