Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Associate Dean,

I am appealing to drop ENIN 200 (Fall, 2021), and ECON 255 (Fall, 2021).

I am appealing to drop two courses due to surgery. On December 2nd, 2021, I had been in excruciating pain and had gone to the emergency room at Kingston General Hospital. However, they sent me home without any treatment or medication provided. On December 3rd, 2021, I went back as my abdominal pain was still present. After a thorough CAT scan, they diagnosed me with Appendicitis. On that Friday I was taken into emergency surgery as my appendix was 15 cm compared to the average 8 cm, meaning it had been very close to rupturing. Throughout that week with check-ups, extreme pain, and sleepless nights. I was unable to attend classes or study for upcoming exams/evaluations. After my surgery, I was taken home to Richmond Hill, Ontario by my mother to assist with my recovery. On December 6th, 2021, I went to my family doctor in Richmond Hill, and was told that my leave from school would be 4-6 weeks. Right now, I am still recovering and taking 3-4 apo-hydromorphone pills every day to numb the pains of the surgery. It is mentally challenging to focus on school when my physical wellbeing is in continuous pain every day. I have not studied for ENIN 200, or ECON 255 ever since December 2nd, and it has taken a great toll on my mental wellbeing. These two courses require a final exam out of my five courses, and they require extensive study in order to successfully pass. The constant stresses overwhelm my mental health, and I am struggling to complete any work with the abdominal pains. I am worried about my overall GPA and how it will be negatively impacted due to my appendix surgery. I want to be given a chance to take these courses again without it poorly affecting my GPA. I do not want to take my final exams for both these courses under these circumstances, where I am truly unprepared and unmotivated.

Going forward I am trying to fully recover mentally and physically so I am ready for the winter semester. If my appeal was granted, I would take the courses again in the summer under fairer circumstances where I am fully recovered. I am really worried about the negative impacts these two courses will have for my overall GPA. I truly hope you are able understand my circumstances and provide me an opportunity of mental relief.