Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear University's Dean of Arts and Science,

I hope this message finds you well. My name is Judy Zhu, and my student number is 20073554. I am a recent graduate of the Computing and Creative Arts program. I am writing to request your understanding and assistance regarding my academic performance during the Fall 2021 semester and to seek a waiver for the petition deadline concerning late course drop.

In Fall 2021, I was enrolled in CISC 203, CISC 204, and FILM 416. Unfortunately, I was unable to complete these courses due to severe health issues related to recurrent depression, as documented by my physician, Dr. Edward Weiss. My depression and somatization symptoms manifest in various ways, including severe insomnia, diminished appetite, and impaired cognitive processing. This condition significantly impaired my academic functioning, resulting in my non-participation in exams and assignments after the first month of the semester, leading to 'F' grades in these courses.

After the semester, my condition slightly improved, but the psychological impact persisted, making it challenging to confront or address my academic situation. This delay was not out of negligence but stemmed from the ongoing nature of my mental health challenges, which rendered me unable to petition within the deadline period.

My academic performance in subsequent semesters has improved significantly, indicating my recovery progress. However, the 'F' grades from Fall 2021 remain a serious concern for my graduate school applications. Therefore, I am requesting a late course drop for these courses, to revise my grades to 'NG' (non-grading) or an equivalent academic concession that acknowledges the impact of my health issues on my academic performance at the time.

I have attached medical documents from Dr. Weiss for your reference and verification of my medical situation. I understand the gravity of this request and assure you it comes after much reflection. I am prepared to discuss this in more detail and provide any additional information required. Your guidance on how to navigate this process within our university’s policies would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you for your time and understanding. I am hopeful for a positive resolution and await your kind response.

Sincerely,

Judy Zhu