Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Associate Dean of Studies,

I am appealing to drop and backdate Econ 320 (Winter 2015), Econ 332 (Winter 2015) and to receive a Credit grade for Econ 310 (Winter 2015). I am also appealing to waive the 21 day deadline for appealing to obtain a grade of CR for: Econ 241 (Fall 2008), Comm 231 (Winter 2010), and Pols 110 (Fall-Winter 2007-2008), as well as dropping and backdating Comm 221 (Fall 2012).

During the winter term of 2015, I fell into a negative emotional state, which at first affected my ability to concentrate in class, and eventually progressed to a point where I would regularly miss scheduled lectures. Although I had realized that my emotions had changed, I did not understand why as there was no immediately perceivable cause. Assuming that this was a temporary feeling, I continued going to class regularly, but I was still unable to concentrate.
During midterm period, it was difficult for me to study. I had trouble concentrating, maintaining focus and became easily fatigued. This resulted in poor midterm marks after which left me feeling hopeless. It was at this point that my attendance decreased dramatically. I was also unable to complete or hand in assignments. Often, it would be difficult for me to get out of bed and on most days, I would not leave my apartment.
When studying for my final exams, especially for econ 320, I could not help but think about the negative effects these grades would have on my GPA and how I would be farther away from my objective of reaching at least the 1.9 GPA necessary for an honours degree. As much as I would try to refocus myself on the study materials, I was unable to block these thoughts out, making learning impossible and increasing my anxiety to panicked levels. At this time I met with Prof. Mike Kennedy (my professor for Econ 320), and he advised me to drop and backdate the economics courses I had taken for the winter term.

With regards to appealing to waive the deadline to waive the 21 day deadline for dropping Comm 221; extenuating circumstances prevented me from gathering the evidence of my uncles suicide. This was an emotional event in my life and I was unable to obtain the proper evidence because of the pain of having to relive that event.
With regards to appealing to waive the deadline to waive the 21 day deadline for obtaining a grade of CR for Econ 241, Comm 231, Pols 110: on my many sessions with academic advisors, the assistant dean of studies and with the associate dean of studies, I was never informed of the option to appeal for a grade of CR for any of the courses for which I had a passing grade during time periods for which my appeals to drop courses for being effected by extenuating circumstances were granted. I had just found out about this type of appeal within the last week, and was never informed about it prior to now.