Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: To Whom It May Concern:

I am writing to appeal the drop date for first term courses. My name is Ben Bongard, and I am currently enrolled as a first year student in the Faculty of Arts and Science. I am in residence at Brant House, and have found the transition to university during Covid-19 incredibly challenging.

Since mid-November, I have been struggling with mental health issues pertaining to isolation, asynchronous learning, lack of familial support, and anxiety around Covid-19 and school in general. Since mid-November, I have returned home to Toronto to gain medical and psychological support from professionals and from my family.

Anxiety is crippling, and the affect it has on an individual can present as a lack of motivation or the inability to perform regular day to day tasks. Additionally, in my case, it takes the shape of lack of focus and the ability to concentrate. Such is my circumstance. I have not been able to maintain the workload in light of my anxiety and mental health concerns and need to reduce my workload to alleviate the severe anxiety I am feeling.

Since returning to Toronto, I have sought out supports, medication and therapy to help me with my current situation. It has been recommended that I leave residence and return home for the balance of the school year, where I can continue to receive the treatment/supports I need at this time. Further, I am requesting, in light of my situation, to lighten my course load. I am asking to officially drop PSYC100, MUTH110, FILM110 and RELS140 from my transcript, as I am unable to focus on my studies at this time due to medical reasons.

I realize the deadline has passed, however, mental health issues do not arrive on a schedule that is convenient. I do not wish for these courses to appear on my transcript ¿¿ as they would not be an accurate indication of my abilities nor a reasonable contribution to my GPA.

I plan to continue taking CLST102 and I am contemplating my options for next term (January).

Attached, please see a letter from my doctor to confirm the above.

It would be a great relief to me if you could please find your way to understanding my situation and drop the above courses, despite the deadline having passed.

With Appreciation,

Ben Bongard
20224050