Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Associate Dean (Academic),

I am appealing to drop ECON 111 (Summer, 2021). On June 20th, 2021, I began reducing my antidepressant dose from 75mg to 37.5mg with my doctor's approval. On June 25th, 2021, I began experiencing suicidal ideation and started displaying depressive behavior as well as anxiety. On July 1st, I scheduled an appointment with my therapist and prescribing doctor for July 2nd. I was instructed to increase my medication back up to 75mg. From July 2nd to July 17th, despite having the medication increased, the withdrawal continued. The withdrawal caused me to break down and have panic attacks at least two times a day. At this time, I considered my mental health more important than school and did not attend my ECON 111 class. This lowered my grade as my participation in group projects was minimal and I struggled to complete final assessments. The worst of the withdrawal ended on July 17th. By then I was able to participate in my class more consistently, but I was still experiencing some side effects/withdrawal.

On July 5th, in the middle of the episode, my CISC 124 course started. Thankfully, this course started off slow and my teacher accommodated me, so I was able to catch up quite easily during the rest of July. This event mainly impacted my ECON 111 class.

I did not drop ECON 111 earlier as I did not foresee such an event happening. My reduction from 112.5mg to 75mg was withdrawal free. So, I expected the reduction from 75mg to 37.5mg to be the same. On July 2nd, the day I saw my therapist and doctor, I was optimistic that the withdrawal would resolve itself because I was going back up to 75mg. I decided not to drop the course that day. It was a bad decision looking back on it but at the time I could not have known that the withdrawal effects were going to last for as long as they did nor did I know how much they would end up impacting my performance at school.

I will continue to see my therapist weekly and work with my doctor to find the right medication for me. In regards to ECON 111, I will not be taking it again as it is not in alignment with my program.

Best regards,
Joseph