Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Associate Dean,

I am writing to you to petition for an appeal to drop a course after the academic deadline.

Over the past few months I have experienced unreliable medical support. After experiencing a very difficult summer as a result of my family physician closing their practice, I was able to meet with a nurse practitioner at the end of the summer. However, a few weeks into the term, they were no longer able to support me because a new family physician replaced my former doctor. However, because I was in Kingston and was unable to come back home until December, they were not able to provide me with my proper medication, as they had not met me in person yet.

This forced me to once again come off my medications abruptly and I was faced with overwhelming feelings of anxiety, depression, and frustration, as I was hopeful I was beginning this semester well. I continued to try to develop a plan with this new physician, searched for a new one, and also tried to create coping mechanisms. However, the overwhelming stress combined with being away from home and my course load was unbearable and paralyzing. I was determined to complete my classes, but attending class and completing my work felt nearly impossible for me.

The symptoms of my Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) made me feel isolated, helpless, and paralyzed. The lack of medical support made me feel even more helpless and I felt overwhelmed by everyday tasks, let alone my school work. The work load was unbearable to the mental state I was in, and although I was able to complete my other courses, I was not able to produce for PHIL 204.

I reached out to my accommodations advisor throughout the semester, but even with my accommodations, my mental state made it impossible for me to complete my work well and on time. I struggled especially in PHIL 204 because the limited energy and focus I had was being put into my other courses.

These extenuating circumstances of unreliable medical support combined with my GAD and ADHD, were beyond my control, and it would be very unfortunate that they are the reason I do not succeed. I have scheduled appointments with a new physician over the holidays to combat the emotional stress I have endured and to develop a strategy for the next semester.

I appreciate your understanding and I am hopeful that we will be able to develop a solution.

Thank you,
Izzy