Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: To Whom It May Concern:

I am applying for aegrotat standing (or if that is not successful, extension of my exam) in ENG160, taught by Dr. Robert May. I initially did well in the course and had a 72 at midterm, but currently I am recovering from severe Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and my grades have dropped. I have been in and out of counseling, spent a few stints in the hospital, had to deal with police, navigate the legal system, and face my abuser on a frequent basis. Juggling all of this, managing my PTSD, holding a job, and keeping up with my school work proved to be too much for me. I became too scared to attend class after discovering that my abuser¿¿s class schedule put him in the same building as me on certain days. I simply was not physically or mentally able to complete certain assignments and prepare adequately for the exam. Despite all of this, I believe that I did the best I could. I feel like I learned a good deal even though I missed some classes and assignments. I do not think my grades are a good representative of my understanding of the course, and that taking my illness into account would make it a fairer representation of my knowledge. PTSD has made things a little harder, but I believe that if I get the support I need I can bring my grades up and have a successful undergraduate career.


Thank you for your consideration,

Michelle Allan