Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: I am asking that the above courses be removed from my official transcript due to the following
extenuating circumstances that have been in my opinion beyond my control which has directly affected
my academic performance.
As a person who is faced with mental health challenges first let me begin by stating that I was diagnosed
with Generalized anxiety Disorder just prior to attending university. First year I was suffering from
mental illness, and medical issues of migraines and hives covering most of my body. I was on trials of
medications during this time to help deal with the severity of these illnesses. Some of my symptoms
would include panic attacks, debilitating migraines and constant itchiness . Due to my migraines I was
unable to attend some of my classes. Coupling that with my anxiety and hives I was unable to keep up
with the demands of these courses. However I was determined to try to push my way through instead
of doing what would have been best for me and dropping these courses. Now that they are permanent
marks on my transcripts I realize that this was not the best course of action. As it is having aa significant
impact on my GPA.
I spent my first year abroad at the BISC which I believed I was ready to be both independent and away
from home, however it did effect me both mentally and medically. When I cam home for Christmas I
found out that my grandmother who was diagnosed with Dementia previously, her health had
plummeted and was being placed in a crisis bed at a long term facility. The winter term was cut short
due to Covid. At this time no one knew what was happening with the end of term. As one moment we
were going to continue studies like normal, as we were isolated in the country side, the next we were
still staying, but moving classes online. Then two days later were being told to go home as quickly as
possible. This caused massive amounts of chaos for me aand my anxiety heightened to get home safe as
well as what was happening with school.
Being back home and having to quarantine, did nothing for my already depleted mental state. During
that summer I foolishly thought that taking courses would help, as I would have something to focus on.
However this plan backfired as my focus and motivation were non-existent. Thus couldn??t complete
much of the course work no matter how hard I was tried.
Year two started off with online learning due to Covid. Somehow the isolation made my mental health
even worse, as it was a struggle to even get out of bed some days, knowing this I probably should have

taken the semester off or dropped the courses. I did not do this because it felt like I was giving up, so I
did not allow myself too.
During winter 2021 when I was at this low point, I came to the conclusion that there had to be some
other reason for my lack of motivation and focus. Speaking with my psychiatrist, we discovered that I
had ADHD. Having made the decision to go off the anxiety medication and go on ADHD medication was
one of many positive outcomes, as the hives that I had been dealing with incisively for two years
disappeared and that the new medication was helping me focus. In addition to this revelation, I have
found myself a wonderful therapist to help me manage my thoughts so I do not return to that low point.
I am learning to pace myself and my focus has improved to the fact that I am now enjoying my classes
and I??m handing in my assignments and pushing myself forward.
I know that in hindsight these courses should have been dropped as my GPA has been substantiality
affected by these courses. I will continue to take a reduced course load and I am repeating some classes
to improve my marks. I will continue to utilize the accommodation that are on my file. Overall, my
circumstances are improving and I am actively trying to better myself through myriad of ways and I am
asking you to help support my academic progress.
Thank you for taking the time to review and I am looking forward to hearing from you soon.

Kaitlyn Hamilton