Petition Letter
I am writing to respectfully request a late drop for the course BIOL 339: Animal Physiology, which was taken in the Fall 2025 semester. This request is based on significant mental health challenges that I endured during the academic term, which substantially affected my ability to meet academic expectations and successfully complete the requirements of the course.
Between November 2025 and February 2026, I experienced a period of severe depression and anxiety that was closely related to ongoing struggles with disordered eating behaviours and body dysmorphia. During this time, I became increasingly preoccupied with concerns surrounding food, weight, and body image. These challenges had a significant impact on my mental health and gradually affected nearly every aspect of my daily functioning, including my academic performance. Under these circumstances, I experienced frequent fainting, intense migraines, and chronic insomnia as a result of extreme undereating, which are consistent with my diagnosis. During this time, my daily experience was truly miserable. The feelings of discontentment I held towards myself and my body prompted a period of isolation where I did not allow myself to seek the mental health assistance that I required.
Previously, I had never experienced mental health difficulties of this severity during my university career. As a result, I did not initially recognize the extent of what I was experiencing, nor did I know how to access appropriate support. I felt uncomfortable discussing these issues with others and attempted to manage them independently. Looking back, I recognize that I should have sought help sooner; however, at the time, my depression and anxiety impaired my judgment and ability to advocate for myself. Rather than reaching out to available resources, I became increasingly overwhelmed and withdrawn, which delayed my pursuit of support. As my mental health deteriorated, I experienced significant difficulty concentrating, maintaining motivation, managing my time, and completing tasks. Much of my mental energy was consumed by the distress I was experiencing, leaving little capacity to focus on coursework. Tasks that would normally have been manageable became overwhelming, and I often found myself unable to begin or complete academic work despite understanding its importance. My symptoms affected my ability to study effectively, retain information, meet deadlines, and remain engaged in my courses.
The impact of these challenges was not limited to a single course. Between November 2025 and March 2026, I experienced a noticeable decline in my academic performance across multiple courses. While I continued to make efforts to attend classes and complete coursework, my depression, anxiety, and struggles related to disordered eating and body dysmorphia greatly impaired my ability to perform at my usual academic standard. In the case of BIOL 339, these challenges became particularly significant as the semester progressed. I struggled to keep up with course requirements and found it increasingly difficult to dedicate the time and attention necessary to succeed. By the time the final examination approached, I was experiencing such a high degree of emotional distress and mental exhaustion that I was unable to adequately prepare. As a result, I was unable to fulfill the course requirements and achieve a result that accurately reflected my abilities and commitment as a student.
From February 2026, I began seeking the social and physical support necessary to overcome these challenges. Specifically, I have acquired a therapist and a nutritionist whom I have been working with extensively to address issues related to my body dysmorphia. As a result, my grades have improved in courses taken following the Fall 2025 semester. I have made meaningful progress in my recovery and have been proactive in ensuring that I continue to receive appropriate support as I work to address these personal challenges. I do not expect that these previous difficulties will impact my academic career in the future. Unfortunately, at my immediate time of need, I could not motivate myself to address my difficulties and turned to isolation as a result. I recognize my error in neglecting to address my mental health challenges previously.
I understand the importance of academic responsibility and do not make this request lightly. I take responsibility for not seeking assistance earlier; however, I respectfully ask that the circumstances surrounding this situation be considered. The mental health difficulties I experienced between November 2025 and February 2026 were exceptional, beyond my control, and had a direct and substantial impact on my academic performance. The outcome I provided in BIOL 339 was not the result of a lack of effort, interest, or commitment to my education, but rather the consequence of a significant period of psychological distress that affected multiple areas of my life and academic functioning. I respectfully request consideration of a late drop for this course and have included supporting medical documentation to corroborate the circumstances described in this letter.
Between November 2025 and February 2026, I experienced a period of severe depression and anxiety that was closely related to ongoing struggles with disordered eating behaviours and body dysmorphia. During this time, I became increasingly preoccupied with concerns surrounding food, weight, and body image. These challenges had a significant impact on my mental health and gradually affected nearly every aspect of my daily functioning, including my academic performance. Under these circumstances, I experienced frequent fainting, intense migraines, and chronic insomnia as a result of extreme undereating, which are consistent with my diagnosis. During this time, my daily experience was truly miserable. The feelings of discontentment I held towards myself and my body prompted a period of isolation where I did not allow myself to seek the mental health assistance that I required.
Previously, I had never experienced mental health difficulties of this severity during my university career. As a result, I did not initially recognize the extent of what I was experiencing, nor did I know how to access appropriate support. I felt uncomfortable discussing these issues with others and attempted to manage them independently. Looking back, I recognize that I should have sought help sooner; however, at the time, my depression and anxiety impaired my judgment and ability to advocate for myself. Rather than reaching out to available resources, I became increasingly overwhelmed and withdrawn, which delayed my pursuit of support. As my mental health deteriorated, I experienced significant difficulty concentrating, maintaining motivation, managing my time, and completing tasks. Much of my mental energy was consumed by the distress I was experiencing, leaving little capacity to focus on coursework. Tasks that would normally have been manageable became overwhelming, and I often found myself unable to begin or complete academic work despite understanding its importance. My symptoms affected my ability to study effectively, retain information, meet deadlines, and remain engaged in my courses.
The impact of these challenges was not limited to a single course. Between November 2025 and March 2026, I experienced a noticeable decline in my academic performance across multiple courses. While I continued to make efforts to attend classes and complete coursework, my depression, anxiety, and struggles related to disordered eating and body dysmorphia greatly impaired my ability to perform at my usual academic standard. In the case of BIOL 339, these challenges became particularly significant as the semester progressed. I struggled to keep up with course requirements and found it increasingly difficult to dedicate the time and attention necessary to succeed. By the time the final examination approached, I was experiencing such a high degree of emotional distress and mental exhaustion that I was unable to adequately prepare. As a result, I was unable to fulfill the course requirements and achieve a result that accurately reflected my abilities and commitment as a student.
From February 2026, I began seeking the social and physical support necessary to overcome these challenges. Specifically, I have acquired a therapist and a nutritionist whom I have been working with extensively to address issues related to my body dysmorphia. As a result, my grades have improved in courses taken following the Fall 2025 semester. I have made meaningful progress in my recovery and have been proactive in ensuring that I continue to receive appropriate support as I work to address these personal challenges. I do not expect that these previous difficulties will impact my academic career in the future. Unfortunately, at my immediate time of need, I could not motivate myself to address my difficulties and turned to isolation as a result. I recognize my error in neglecting to address my mental health challenges previously.
I understand the importance of academic responsibility and do not make this request lightly. I take responsibility for not seeking assistance earlier; however, I respectfully ask that the circumstances surrounding this situation be considered. The mental health difficulties I experienced between November 2025 and February 2026 were exceptional, beyond my control, and had a direct and substantial impact on my academic performance. The outcome I provided in BIOL 339 was not the result of a lack of effort, interest, or commitment to my education, but rather the consequence of a significant period of psychological distress that affected multiple areas of my life and academic functioning. I respectfully request consideration of a late drop for this course and have included supporting medical documentation to corroborate the circumstances described in this letter.