Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

I am writing this letter for permission to drop the SOCY122 course that runs throughout the 2023/2024 school year. I took the course knowing that it would deal with some heavy topics that may be difficult to discuss. I underestimated how difficult moving into my first year of university would be. Not only by moving far away from my only family and friends, but also as we approach December and the Christmas season, which is also the anniversary of my step-father's death. Trying to read, discuss and focus on the hard subject matters presented in the course while also trying to create a social circle, grieve the loss of my stepfather, and take care of my decreasing mental health has grown too much for me to handle, causing my school work and exams to suffer greatly in this course, despite plenty hours studying and working. I studied for 8 hours in preparation for our mid-term exam, and despite my work, I still failed the exam, and I don't forsee it getting better. I request to drop the course as I don't see an end my grades and assignments in this course suffering because of my grief and stress.

Thank you greatly in advance for your consideration,
- Savannah Lalonde