Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Associate Dean,

I am looking to appeal two courses that I took in the summer of 2020 ¿¿ Math 121 and Phys 118. I understand that my request is not prompt as it has been a year since I failed both courses. The reason for my late appeal is due to critical issues with my mental health. After the summer I started to go through a diagnosing process that took months as a result of delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Late this fall I was diagnosed with ADHD. I started a new medication and have coordinated accommodations with QSAS while taking a full course load in both semesters of this year. It was important for me to wait to appeal until after I received my winter 2021 transcript. I wanted to be able to see a change in my grades now that I have concrete strategies & medication to help me focus. Given the increase in my GPA, I can see that I am capable of academic success once give adequate support and resources.

I am interested in applying to a Master¿¿s program. I would like to ensure my GPA accurately reflects my ability. I fear that these failed courses will be a limiting factor when applying to the programs I would like to pursue. The large change in my GPA gives me hope that I can achieve my academic goals, which has prompted me to appeal the previously failed courses now.

There are a few reasons why I failed the classes in summer 2020. Firstly, I was trying to cope with the disappointment that I felt towards my academic success in my second year. My mental health then deteriorated significantly during the spring after losing my job and dealing with financial stress. As I was not doing working, I took these courses to fill up my time. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I found it difficult to concentrate in a house with students who did not get along. My living situation turned into a very stressful environment as my summer courses were picking up. I was easily distracted and regularly lost track of time. I became extremely overwhelmed and unable to cope with the stresses that I faced in my household. I felt isolated and unsure of how to get help. I resorted to poor coping strategies rather than seek help. I didn't face the situation until the end of the summer when I was able to go home and get support from family and my doctor.

These two courses are required for my major; therefore, I will be retaking them. I will not be living in the same circumstances as before as I have moved and will be working in an environment where I thrive academically and mentally. I am safe and supported in my new living arrangements. I have also completed a DBT course and am still receiving support as needed from the counsellor and members of the group. Most notably, my medication helps me to focus and the academic accommodations are supportive. I can use my new learning strategies effectively to be successful academically, as illustrated in my most recent transcript.

After my diagnosis, treatment, and counselling, I understand how my behaviour and coping strategies limited my success in these courses. The diagnosis explains why I was not successful, but it is not an excuse. With the tools I have learned, I have created a plan for my academic future that I am excited to achieve. I will continue to work hard using these tools, resources, and supports as I move forward in my studies.

I am proud of the success I have achieved in my third year of chemistry. This success makes me more confident that I will now be successful in these two required first-year courses next year.

Thank you for taking the time to read my letter and considering my appeal for Math 121 and Phys 118.

Sincerely,

Sara Fraser