Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Hanna Girndt 20009334
21 Lankin Blvd.
Toronto, ON
M4J4W7

Dear Dr. Jenn Stephenson, Associate Dean (Academic),

I am appealing to remove MICR 360 (Fall 2019) from my transcript.

The reason I am appealing to drop this course is due to an abusive relationship that left me unable to leave my residence during the time slot in which lectures for this class were scheduled. Myself and my partner were living together at the time, therefore I did not have any privacy and my partner had a lot of control over my life. This relationship began in the Winter 2018 semester and continued through the beginning of the Winter 2020 semester, when I was able to leave the relationship. The relationship started out fine, as all new relationships do. However, when the relationship progressed through 6-month together, around the beginning of September 2019 and the Fall 2019 semester, the relationship became increasingly toxic, escalating to a point where I did not feel safe leaving the house at certain times in the day, including the time slots when the MICR 360 lectures occurred, for fear of repercussions when I would return home.

I am appealing to have only this class removed from my transcript as it was the only one where I was directly unable to attend lecture and complete in-class participation. The most effective way I learn is through direct instruction, which was provided in lecture. My inability to attend the MICR 360 lectures significantly decreased my ability to learn the content. Additionally, the class provided very little online material for distance learning; therefore, I was at an even greater disadvantage to learn the course content. The relationship impacted my ability to think clearly and focus for many months. I was not able to think of a solution to my situation as I was focused on staying safe in the immediate moment. My partner and I¿¿s schedule lined up in a way where I was able to find a way to attend the lectures for my other 4 classes, and therefore was able to participate enough and pass these classes.

I did not try to drop the class before the Week 8 drop deadline as I was hopeful that I need not make significant changes to my academic plan due to a situation caused by a romantic relationship. I continued the course in an emotionally vulnerable state which lead to an inability to perform well during finals and I failed the class. This was not the right course of action; however, it was the only option I felt comfortable considering at the time. I was hoping to retake the class during the following Winter 2020 semester; however, the course was not offered, nor was it offered online in the summer 2020 semester. I contacted the department of biomedical and molecular sciences in the hopes of understanding when the next time MICR360 would be offered, however the course was replaced with MICR 361 starting in the Fall 2020 semester, therefore retaking the course is not an option anymore; my attempts had be futile. I was really hoping to get the chance to retake this course and replace the grade with one I had earned, but it was no longer possible.

I was able to leave the relationship in January 2020 when I was able to move in with a friend for the rest of the semester and leave the relationship safely. I was unable to do this sooner as I was too afraid to talk to anyone about my situation and I knew my friend did not have a place for me to stay until the winter semester when one of her housemates went on Exchange and a room became available. I was able to take on a sixth course to finish my degree and focus on healing after leaving the relationship as I was motivated to return to my normal self.

I am now looking to apply to medical school, but with this course on my transcript, I fear I am no longer a competitive candidate. I do not want this very vulnerable time in my life inhibit me from pursuing higher education.

I appreciate your time in reviewing my appeal and I would appreciate any consideration you can offer.

All the best,
Hanna Girndt
20009334