Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Dr. Stephenson,

I would like to appeal for a late drop for the ARTH 120 course I took this summer. Due to extenuating medical circumstances, I was only able to complete 28 percent of the coursework. I have an autoimmune disease called Ankylosing Spondylitis and due to the COVID-19 situation, I had just been taken off of my medication, Humira, since it makes you more susceptible to infections. I did not account for the consequences that would occur from me being off my medication when I started my summer courses as I had never experienced anything like this before. Aside from the general pain, stiffness, and fatigue accompanying my disease, I started experiencing the worst flare up after being more than a month into the course since it was the first time in years I was off my medication. This disease encompasses an array of symptoms, some of which I had not even experienced before, but due to the ceased medication they started showing up this summer. This included uveitis, which is inflammation of my eyes, and severe chest pain, which made it difficult to breathe. I could not imagine that these symptoms would ever manifest in my specific case as the medication kept me in remission. I was completely unable to study mentally and physically. I had to adjust into this new setting where there were times that I could not read my textbook because of the inflammation in my eyes. I was in constant communication with both Professor Corbett and my disability advisor, Mr. Jay Harris. Our initial hope was to get an incomplete grade for the course, so I could finish it next semester as I was able to do for the other course I took in the summer. However, since ARTH 120 was a 6.0 units course I did not complete enough coursework to be eligible for the incomplete grade standing. Therefore, Professor Corbett encouraged me to appeal for a late drop to avoid the negative impact of the course grade on my GPA.

I truly enjoyed learning about art history and I do feel that the assessments I was able to complete reflect that. The extremely unique circumstances that COVID-19 had on my life required major adjusting and regrouping which was quite challenging. I am sincerely requesting that this course be dropped as it is not an accurate representation of my true abilities as a student. As my supporting documents I have attached my disability form, a health verification form from my doctor, and a letter of support from my disability advisor pertaining to the summer courses. Thank you for taking the time to review my appeal, it is greatly appreciated.