Petition Letter
Appeal Letter to Drop DEVS 220 from Summer 2024
Dear Dr. Jenn Stephenson,
I am writing to submit an appeal to Late Drop DEVS 220 from this past summer. I am requesting a late drop due to significant physical health issues and family problems that have severely impacted my mental health, which in turn impeded my ability to complete academic readings and submit my assessments for DEVS 220.
I started the Summer 2024 term eager to take on DEVS 220. I was ready to begin my coursework. However, as we progressed through the term, I faced several health issues. This included a new illness that reduced my lung functioning, which significantly drained my energy and focus. At the same time, I was living in an environment where I was subject to abuse by a family member. This has been emotionally taxing, leading to a substantial decline in my mental well-being.
These extenuating circumstances severely affected my mental health. I had a significantly reduced capacity for daily functioning, impacting my coursework in DEVS 220. My ability to engage with the material was severely compromised, and I struggled with doing my readings, completing assignments, and participating in discussions on time. The stress and anxiety from the circumstances described led to a diminished capacity for academic work even while seeking support from my Registered Psychotherapist, Imogen Snell. Please find documentation from my Registered Psychotherapist attached.
I communicated with Professor Ian Fanning throughout the term when requesting extensions and I expected to catch up by the end of July. I was unable to do so. I requested an Incomplete grade in order to submit my remaining assessments by mid-September. Professor Fanning informed me that he was unable to support the Incomplete and my request to submit my remaining assessments by mid-September. However, Professor Fanning is willing to support a Late Drop.
I am currently working with my healthcare providers to manage these issues and am committed to resuming my studies with full dedication. Dropping this course will allow me to focus on recovery and my mental health, while also preparing for future academic success.
Thank you for considering my appeal. Please let me know if you would like any additional information.
Sincerely,
Yasi Shahidian
Supporting Documentation:
Letter of Support from Imogen Snell, Registered Psycotherapist
Dear Dr. Jenn Stephenson,
I am writing to submit an appeal to Late Drop DEVS 220 from this past summer. I am requesting a late drop due to significant physical health issues and family problems that have severely impacted my mental health, which in turn impeded my ability to complete academic readings and submit my assessments for DEVS 220.
I started the Summer 2024 term eager to take on DEVS 220. I was ready to begin my coursework. However, as we progressed through the term, I faced several health issues. This included a new illness that reduced my lung functioning, which significantly drained my energy and focus. At the same time, I was living in an environment where I was subject to abuse by a family member. This has been emotionally taxing, leading to a substantial decline in my mental well-being.
These extenuating circumstances severely affected my mental health. I had a significantly reduced capacity for daily functioning, impacting my coursework in DEVS 220. My ability to engage with the material was severely compromised, and I struggled with doing my readings, completing assignments, and participating in discussions on time. The stress and anxiety from the circumstances described led to a diminished capacity for academic work even while seeking support from my Registered Psychotherapist, Imogen Snell. Please find documentation from my Registered Psychotherapist attached.
I communicated with Professor Ian Fanning throughout the term when requesting extensions and I expected to catch up by the end of July. I was unable to do so. I requested an Incomplete grade in order to submit my remaining assessments by mid-September. Professor Fanning informed me that he was unable to support the Incomplete and my request to submit my remaining assessments by mid-September. However, Professor Fanning is willing to support a Late Drop.
I am currently working with my healthcare providers to manage these issues and am committed to resuming my studies with full dedication. Dropping this course will allow me to focus on recovery and my mental health, while also preparing for future academic success.
Thank you for considering my appeal. Please let me know if you would like any additional information.
Sincerely,
Yasi Shahidian
Supporting Documentation:
Letter of Support from Imogen Snell, Registered Psycotherapist

