Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Appeal Letter: I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to formally appeal the decision to deny my petition to drop ECON 320 (Winter 2022) late. I respect the thorough consideration you have given to my case, and I would like to provide additional context and clarification regarding my circumstances, which I believe warrant a reconsideration of the decision.

Health Challenges and Timing of Documentation:

In January 2022, I began experiencing significant and undiagnosed health issues that progressively worsened throughout the semester. Despite undergoing numerous medical tests in February, I was unable to receive a definitive diagnosis. During this time, I traveled to Canada to commence my studies but had to return to Jordan in early March for further evaluation and potential cancer testing. These disruptions, coupled with the ongoing uncertainty about my health, severely impacted my ability to engage with my coursework.

Unfortunately, I was diagnosed with cancer in April 2022, during the summer break, and immediately began an intensive chemotherapy regimen that lasted through August. The diagnosis and treatment were overwhelming, and I was wholly unprepared to manage my academic responsibilities during this period. Upon returning to Canada for the fall semester, I faced a recurrence of my illness, which required another trip to Jordan for additional chemotherapy during the reading week.

Impact on Academic Performance and Mental Health:

In addition to my physical health struggles, I began experiencing severe mental health issues, including panic attacks, which were later diagnosed as symptoms of schizophrenia. These mental health challenges further compounded the difficulties I faced in managing my academic responsibilities, ultimately affecting my performance throughout the semester. By the time I recognized the full impact of these health issues on my academic work, the drop deadline had passed, leaving me unable to take appropriate action.

Reason for Delayed Appeal:

As you pointed out in your decision letter, the documentation I initially submitted was primarily related to the Fall 2021 term, which might have led to the conclusion that my situation did not sufficiently justify a late course drop for the Winter 2022 term. However, due to the chaotic nature of my health situation and the focus on managing my immediate physical and mental well-being, I was unable to gather and submit the appropriate documentation for Winter 2022 at the time. It was only after a prolonged period of hospitalization from summer 2023 to February 2024 that I was able to stabilize my condition and begin addressing my academic concerns, including this appeal.

Request for Reconsideration:

Given the above, I respectfully request that you reconsider your decision in light of the new evidence and context provided. According to the regulations, if new evidence that was not available at the time of the original decision is now presented, the matter should be remitted back to the original decision-maker for reconsideration. The documentation I have now provided clearly demonstrates that my academic performance during the Winter 2022 term was severely compromised by circumstances entirely beyond my control. These circumstances, in my view, meet the criteria for extenuating circumstances as outlined in the Academic Regulations.

I understand the importance of maintaining the integrity of the Faculty’s academic records, but I believe that my situation is exceptional and merits a compassionate and fair reassessment. I am now in a stable position to resume my studies and am fully committed to completing my academic program successfully.

I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to discuss this matter further or provide any additional information that may be required to support my appeal.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
Saif Alzraigat