Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Academic Appeal

Dear Dr. Jill Atkinson,

Part A) The Request:
I am appealing to drop KNPE 225 (Fall, 2021).

Part B) Explanation of Extenuating Circumstances:
On November 1st, the last day to drop classes without academic penalty, I was attempting to complete an assignment for KNPE 225. In the next 24 hours, I had four nervous breakdowns. I had been struggling to keep up with the content of this course as it is very heavy and requires a lot of independent learning as it is a blended online and in-person course. Prior to this incident, I had been struggling to keep up with the coursework due to personal mental health reasons and had reached out to my doctor. I was trying to get a diagnosis and start some medication to treat my symptoms. However, due to an influx of patients I had some difficulty scheduling an appointment in a timely manner. I was squeezed into his schedule due to my circumstances that have been affecting my academics. Unfortunately, this appointment happened after the deadline due to circumstances beyond my control. During this week, I also made the decision to switch programs. I had been struggling with the content of core courses but was struggling to come to terms with the fact that I needed to change my path. With the help of a couple meetings with an Academic Advisor and Career Counsellor that week I have decided to pursue a degree that is more aligned with my interests.

Why this course only?

By dropping KNPE 225, I will have the extra time to focus on the courses I am currently taking to raise my GPA. KNPE 225 was particularly difficult for me because the tutorial was in-person, but all lecture material and other content was online. Furthermore, this course was the source of the breakdowns that made me realize I needed to switch programs since I did not understand the material and knew this setback would affect my ability to complete this course.

Why didn??t you drop the course earlier?

I had been struggling with my extenuating circumstance before the deadline but did not receive help due to circumstances beyond my control. Before the deadline I had called my doctor??s office multiple times to schedule an appointment for diagnosis. My doctor did not reply until five days after the deadline had passed. I also did not expect for this course to cause me such mental anguish at a time where I am trying to sort out a new medical diagnosis.

Have your circumstances been resolved or are they now being managed in such a way that you are able to make a successful return to your studies?

I have now started medication which will help manage my symptoms. I will also continue to attend my appointments with a registered social worker/counselor.

Part C) Future plan:
By dropping KNPE 225, the lighter course load will allow me to focus on the courses I am taking this term. In the next term, I am planning to take Gender Studies and Psychology courses to have the requirements to enter the program I will switch into (Medial degree in Psych and Gender Studies).