Petition Letter
I am writing to respectfully request a waiver of the deadline to re-enroll in POLS 112 during the Winter 2025 semester. I understand that deadlines are outlined in the course syllabus; however, I no longer have access to this document and am therefore unsure of the exact policy. I was advised by the course instructor to contact Student Services, who then directed me to submit this petition.
Due to the strike, there were significant disruptions and limited communication regarding course completion and grading. I did not receive any grades during the term, and I was becoming increasingly stressed about my academic standing.
The day before the course drop deadline, I sought guidance from an academic advisor regarding whether I should remain enrolled in the course. As a student with ADHD and registered academic accommodations, the lack of feedback was particularly stressful, especially given my academic challenges in first year. I was concerned about the possibility of failing the course. Based on the advisor's recommendation that it would be easier to drop the course than to appeal a failing grade, I chose to withdraw before the deadline.
However, the day after the drop deadline, the course instructor announced that the final exam had been cancelled and that students who had submitted all required work would receive a credit, and students who had not completed all coursework were given an extra month to do so. Had I known about this period, I would have submitted any outstanding coursework. If this information had been communicated prior to the deadline, I would not have dropped the course. The timing of this announcement directly impacted my decision.
I have since contacted the Arts and Science Advising office and was advised to reach out to the course instructor. Professor Andrew Grant has expressed support for my request and is willing to provide a letter or email.
The reason for my late petition is as follows. I initially contacted academic advising in June 2025 to request assistance with submitting a petition but mistakenly missed their response. I resumed communication in September, however since then, I have been redirected multiple times between my professor, academic advising, and Student Services without receiving clear guidance on how to proceed or which petition to submit.
Additionally, I have ADHD, which affects my memory, focus, and ability to manage multiple tasks. At the time, I was working full-time while taking two summer courses, which made it very difficult to manage ongoing administrative processes. Furthermore, my grandmother, who lived in Australia, passed away. This added further emotional and logistical challenges, particularly due to the circumstances of her passing and the time difference.
The delay in submitting this petition is not due to negligence or lack of effort. I made multiple attempts to seek guidance, but faced both personal challenges and procedural confusion.
Reinstating this course is critical for my academic progress, as it represents the final 3 credits required to complete my first-year 30 credits. This directly impacts my progression toward graduation.
Retaking the course is not a feasible option, as it would be my third attempt due to extenuating circumstances in my first year, and it would be quite costly.
I take full responsibility for my disorganization and any misunderstandings regarding policies. I am fully prepared to complete any outstanding requirements as soon as possible. I have included supporting documentation in the form of a letter from my parents regarding my grandmother's passing, and can provide additional verification if needed. QSAS already documentation of my ADHD diagnosis, however I can provide this document if required.
Thank you for taking the time to review my petition. I sincerely appreciate your consideration of my circumstances and respectfully request approval to re-enroll in POLS 112.
Sincerely,
Mia Dewdney
20387129
Due to the strike, there were significant disruptions and limited communication regarding course completion and grading. I did not receive any grades during the term, and I was becoming increasingly stressed about my academic standing.
The day before the course drop deadline, I sought guidance from an academic advisor regarding whether I should remain enrolled in the course. As a student with ADHD and registered academic accommodations, the lack of feedback was particularly stressful, especially given my academic challenges in first year. I was concerned about the possibility of failing the course. Based on the advisor's recommendation that it would be easier to drop the course than to appeal a failing grade, I chose to withdraw before the deadline.
However, the day after the drop deadline, the course instructor announced that the final exam had been cancelled and that students who had submitted all required work would receive a credit, and students who had not completed all coursework were given an extra month to do so. Had I known about this period, I would have submitted any outstanding coursework. If this information had been communicated prior to the deadline, I would not have dropped the course. The timing of this announcement directly impacted my decision.
I have since contacted the Arts and Science Advising office and was advised to reach out to the course instructor. Professor Andrew Grant has expressed support for my request and is willing to provide a letter or email.
The reason for my late petition is as follows. I initially contacted academic advising in June 2025 to request assistance with submitting a petition but mistakenly missed their response. I resumed communication in September, however since then, I have been redirected multiple times between my professor, academic advising, and Student Services without receiving clear guidance on how to proceed or which petition to submit.
Additionally, I have ADHD, which affects my memory, focus, and ability to manage multiple tasks. At the time, I was working full-time while taking two summer courses, which made it very difficult to manage ongoing administrative processes. Furthermore, my grandmother, who lived in Australia, passed away. This added further emotional and logistical challenges, particularly due to the circumstances of her passing and the time difference.
The delay in submitting this petition is not due to negligence or lack of effort. I made multiple attempts to seek guidance, but faced both personal challenges and procedural confusion.
Reinstating this course is critical for my academic progress, as it represents the final 3 credits required to complete my first-year 30 credits. This directly impacts my progression toward graduation.
Retaking the course is not a feasible option, as it would be my third attempt due to extenuating circumstances in my first year, and it would be quite costly.
I take full responsibility for my disorganization and any misunderstandings regarding policies. I am fully prepared to complete any outstanding requirements as soon as possible. I have included supporting documentation in the form of a letter from my parents regarding my grandmother's passing, and can provide additional verification if needed. QSAS already documentation of my ADHD diagnosis, however I can provide this document if required.
Thank you for taking the time to review my petition. I sincerely appreciate your consideration of my circumstances and respectfully request approval to re-enroll in POLS 112.
Sincerely,
Mia Dewdney
20387129