Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Over the past few months, I have been dealing with a severe mental health crisis, characterized by depression, anxiety, and agoraphobia. This crisis has had a profound impact on my daily life and my ability to engage fully in my academic pursuits. Despite these challenges, I have demonstrated an unwavering dedication to my academics since receiving a requirement to withdraw.

In order to showcase my commitment to my studies, I would like to draw your attention to my performance in other courses this term. In SOCY 122 and PHIL 115, I have consistently submitted assignments and received positive feedback from my professors and TA's. These accomplishments exemplify my determination and ability to excel in an academic setting especially since receiving my previous requirement to withdraw. I have maintained true to the plan of receiving new medication and getting psychiatric referral and student counselling sessions to aid me along my journal.

Unfortunately, due to the severity of my mental health crisis, I had to make the difficult decision to drop a course prior to the original deadline. At the time, I believed that managing my mental health would be more feasible if I lightened my course load. However, I failed to drop the CISC 151 course as I initially believed I was capable of completing it. Upon further reflection and consultation with mental health professionals, I now realize that the combination of the course workload and the demands of my mental health crisis has proven to be overwhelming. The initial assumption that the course, being only 3.0 credits, would be manageable was misguided, as the intensity and complexity of the material have proven more challenging than anticipated. I understand the importance of academic integrity and the significance of completing all courses in which I am enrolled. However, I sincerely believe that my circumstances are exceptional and warrant special consideration. The impact of my mental health crisis has been debilitating, hindering my ability to perform at my full potential in this course.

I kindly request that you review my academic record, including my previous accomplishments and the challenges I have faced throughout this term. By granting my petition to drop CISC 151, I will be able to focus on regaining my mental well-being and continue pursuing my studies in a more supportive environment. I would like to emphasize my commitment to my academic success and assure you that I am actively seeking the necessary resources and support to address my mental health challenges. I am engaged in therapy sessions, implementing coping strategies, and have changed medication regiments twice to improve my mental and emotional wellbeing. I have even gone as far as to begin to integrate myself better into campus life and student caucus by applying to clubs, to better improve my work life balance. I stayed true when I said I would work to improve my academics, and have worked incredibly hard to ensure my work reflects that of what I'm capable of. Even going as far as to submit any outstanding work to this terms professors.

Thank you for taking the time to consider my petition. Your understanding and support during this challenging time would mean a great deal to me. I am hopeful that the university will show compassion and grant me the opportunity to prioritize my mental health while maintaining the academic standards that I strive to uphold.