Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Dr. Stephenson,

I am appealing to drop MATH 121. The reason behind my appeal is that I suffered from undiagnosed anxiety while taking the class, which had a significant impact on my academic performance. Throughout the year, various events unfolded that exacerbated my symptoms of anxiety, making it increasingly challenging for me to cope. The mounting stress took a toll on my overall well-being, resulting in sleep deprivation, reduced energy, and loss of appetite. Consequently, these physical and emotional struggles made it exceedingly difficult for me to maintain focus during lectures and complete homework assignments. Specifically, I suffered a dislocated shoulder that resulted in a posterior labral tear in October 2022, leading to chronic pain and significantly reduced activity levels throughout the year. I received the formal diagnosis of the tear after I had an MRI done in February. Additionally, my grandfather underwent emergency bypass surgery in January 2023. He had a stroke during the surgery and has been comatose and on life support in the hospital since. The rapidly changing nature of his condition and the concern for his health was a major source of stress throughout the second semester.
Furthermore, the severity of my condition escalated to the point where I experienced panic attacks not only prior to assessments but also during some of them. Regrettably, during the time when these symptoms were at their worst, I failed to seek guidance from a healthcare professional or counselor who could have provided me with the necessary support. The impact of my anxiety was not confined to just one course but affected all my classes. However, the effect was particularly pronounced in MATH 121, as this subject matter is not one of my strengths, requiring additional effort on my part to excel. Despite these challenges, I made the decision to persevere and complete the course rather than drop it, as I believed I could push through and still complete the course having shown my academic capabilities. This was an oversight on my part.
Upon the conclusion of the winter term exams, I immediately prioritized my well-being and arranged a consultation with my physician. Our discussion shed light on my condition, and I received a formal diagnosis of anxiety that can be traced back at least one year, dating back to May 2022. Currently, I am actively exploring various treatment options, including counseling and the potential use of medication, in order to address and manage my anxiety effectively. I am scheduled to have surgery on my shoulder on June 14, 2023 and I believe that the ability to get back to my usual level of physical activity and participation in sports will improve my anxiety. I am actively taking steps to help understand and come to terms with my grandfather's critical illness and the passage of time is also helping me deal with this.
Looking ahead, I am fully committed to retaking the MATH 121 course next summer. With the newfound awareness of my anxiety and the steps I am taking to address it, I am confident that I will be better equipped to succeed academically in the future.

Sincerely,
Aryk Aujla (20331693)