Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Associate Dean,

a. The Request
I am writing this letter as I am appealing to drop CHEM 281 (Fall, 2021) after the drop deadline has passed.

b.Explanation of Extenuating Circumstances
Unfortunately, a multitude of extenuating circumstances has led me to request this appeal. Firstly, since around April of last year (Winter, 2021), I have been suffering from mental health problems. These mental health issues led me to seek mental health support for the first time through student wellness. The accommodation I received during this time gave me the support I needed to get through the examination period (Winter 2021), however, I was still battling the issues that I was facing. During the summertime, things improved, and my mental health was in a good spot during the beginning of the Fall 2021 semester. However, I started to feel very unwell again around the first week of November (after the drop deadline). Therefore, I was not experiencing severe enough of a health concern before the drop deadline to consider dropping CHEM 281 yet. I was able to push through to finish three of my five courses, however, from doing so, my mental health left me in a position in which I was unable to complete my examinations. I received an accommodation from student wellness to defer my examinations for CHEM 112 and CHEM 281 and I planned to study during the winter break to complete these courses. However, my mental health has not improved, as unfortunately over the break there has been a terminal illness and a death within my immediate family. These circumstances have been extremely sudden and stressful and have rendered me unable to study during the break for my CHEM 281 examination. Thus, I do not believe I am in a position to finish CHEM 281. I am appealing to drop CHEM 281 and not CHEM 112 as CHEM 112 is a full-year course and I will be able to see out the course in the following semester with the aid of ongoing counseling.

c.Future plan
As my mental health issues have become chronic, I have a plan in place to protect my mental health and to support my academic goals. Firstly, I plan on taking a lighter workload in the Winter 2022 semester by taking four courses instead of five. Secondly, I have made an appointment with my family physician in order to refer me to a personal counselor in which I can see regularly to alleviate my mental health issues. I believe that with this plan, I will be able to achieve my academic goals.

Thank you in advance for your consideration and support during these difficult times.

Sincerely,

Michael Turner