Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Associate Deans Department,

Thank you for taking the time to review my academic appeal to drop the following courses, as well as for allowing me the opportunity to explain my circumstances. Given the unprecedented times we were in during the 2021-2022 academic year, my first year of university provided diverse challenges.

I am appealing to drop the following courses taken in the 2021-2022 academic year.

MATH 121 (Fall/Winter 2022)
MATH 111 (Fall/Winter 2022)
CISC 101 (Fall 2021)
CISC 102 (Fall 2021)
CISC 121 (Winter 2022)

During my first year of university, there were several extenuating circumstances that did not allow me to perform at the level at which I could have performed at. Various facets of my life were negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic which made concentrating on my schoolwork an increasingly difficult task. Several members of my close family, were hospitalized due to the severity of their COVID-19 illness. We had several deaths in our extended family as well. This had a negative impact on my mental health which resulted in poor academic performance. It also took a toll on my physical health, up to the point where I had episodes where I would pass out, one incident occurring outside of my residence building, requiring attention from my Don. These circumstances acted as a cause of anxiety that made it difficult to complete coursework that required a high degree of focus.

I failed almost all my courses for first year, aside from an economics and philosophy course. Both of these courses were a repeat for me, as I had taken these subjects in high school, therefore not requiring such a high degree of focus.

The stress of the above circumstances affected me to the point where I was unable to take the decision of how to proceed forward, or even consider dropping as an option.

The episode of hardships presented to me and my family during COVID-19 have drawn to a close, and I am now prepared to take on a full course load. With support from my parents, and my other close family members, I have worked towards achieving closure. My future academic performance will not be impacted, as my situation has changed. Continuing on this path of healing, my educational endeavors will be able to receive the degree of attention to achieve my goals.

Sincerely,

Tavishi Trivedi