Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Erick Seni Malimi

Associate Academic Dean

Faculty of Arts and Sciences

April 14, 2023


Re: Petition to Drop CLST 205, HIST 400: History and Memory, HIST 400: Inquisition: Global History, PHIL 247, PHIL 330, HIST 242, HIST 400: Old Regime France, and HIST 449 and Complete HIST 246, PHIL 316, and PHIL 328

My name is Erick Seni Malimi. My student number is 20130145. I am petitioning to drop the courses listed above.

Background (First Petition):

I am a fourth-year student and I am writing this petition because I have been dealing with difficult circumstances that have been hindrances to my completion of these failed courses. It is my hope and intention that I, should this petition be successful, ensure a better position from which to finish my degree requirements and graduate in good academic standing. This is the second time I am writing a petition. I had first made an appeal to drop a number of courses, and get an extension for a few others, following the winter semester of 2021. I had made this appeal on the basis of my dealing with severe mental challenges that were strong obstacles to my full participation in classes. This was a uniquely difficult position for me because I have no previous history with any mental health issues. I was facing these challenges for the first time. Moreover, I come from a different cultural background and nationality that does not recognise such a struggle as a legitimate thing. So, I lacked any recourse or understanding from my family and did not feel at liberty to open up to my friends. I sought a counselling aid and some student accommodations through Student Wellness Services in March of 2021 (when I first had these struggles), but otherwise I kept to myself and endeavoured to finish my classes as if there was nothing wrong. By the end of the semester, I was under so much pressure from my situation and my academic progress that I could not attend a single class; I failed to complete my semester.

After the Petition:

This was and continued to be the crux of my problems as a student. I could only seek out a limited form of help with my health and could not withdraw from my classes in fear of conflict with my parents. This only exacerbated the extent of my difficulties and prevented me from participating in and completing my classes. As I said before, I have never had any issues with mental health, so I also had a limited view of what my circumstance was and how I was supposed to deal with it. When I made my first petition, I had planned to make up for my incomplete classes and finish the year in a better state of mind. I would do this on my own and my family would not have to know. I also continued utilising the student counselling services and took them seriously. However, this was the most I could do given that I was still in the same situation. I was home for some time in the summer of 2021 and was delayed in getting back to campus in the fall because of visa troubles. I was thus unable to access any form of help or counselling as I was outside of Ontario (and Canada). Moreover, there was a very limited number of online counselling appointments available at the time so I could not access those services as consistently as I needed. My efforts to improve my mental health and academic standing were thus greatly hindered.


The Last Academic Year:

Since I was struggling with getting back to campus and seeking help with my health, I had a very disruptive fall semester that year. I was unable to keep up with my classes and complete my courses from the previous semester at the same time. From September 2021 to May 2022, I attempted the same strategy to complete my university credits while my condition only grew worse. I spent most of each semester learning and trying my best to complete my course requirements, but I completely fell apart at the end every time. I was unstable, and because of this I was not in a position to effectively participate and make reliable effort in my classes. In addition to that, I was still under some pressure to complete my university credits and thus could not drop my classes on time. I was able to access in-person counselling services at the university by the end of the winter semester (2022). These services resonated better and were more frequent and reliable. However, it was too late to salvage anything from my semester. Because of the disappointing results and my inability to graduate, I had no choice in the end but to discuss my situation with my parents. I went home and took a break from school for some time.


Current Changes (Future Plan):

While I have my parents' support and encouragement, I am still in a cultural context where they cannot and will not help me seek the right assistance. So, I am still limited to university counselling whenever I may be able to access it. I am currently at home awaiting my visa renewal and cannot access any substantial counselling services as a result. However, I am doing much better personally and health wise and I am even taking classes again. I am in the process of completing my semester with no concerns or disruption. I am also in a better position to withdraw from a course should I be unable to complete it. I intend to return to campus for the fall semester and complete my remaining credits with regular assistance and consideration from Student Wellness Services, if possible. I have already spoken to my professors from HIST 246, PHIL 316, and PHIL 328, and they are understanding and supportive of my effort to complete their courses. I had made good efforts in those courses and believe that with some more time, I can complete them and do well. However, this would be much easier and more practical with your consideration. Should this petition be accepted, I will be in the best position to complete my university credits and graduate in good academic standing. I humbly ask for your consideration and generosity in helping me with this petition.

Sincerely,

Erick Malimi.