Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: To Whom It May Concern,
I hope this message finds you in good spirits. I am reaching out with a heartfelt appeal regarding my academic performance in the courses of HIST 108, ECON 241 and ECON 244. I am asking for a request of aegrotat standing for the courses of HIST 108 and ECON 244 and a complete drop of the course of ECON 244. Although I passed both ECON 244 and HIST 108, it has been a tumultuous journey for me over the past semesters marked by a series of challenges that have deeply impacted my ability to meet the academic standards expected of me.
I want to preface this appeal by expressing my sincere desire to provide context rather than offer excuses for my academic performance. Throughout this period, I have been grappling with a number of personal difficulties that have significantly impeded my ability to focus on my studies.
Over the past year, my life has been fraught with trials that have tested my resilience and resolve beyond measure. In May of 2023, my mother was wrongfully convicted and imprisoned in Ethiopia, a situation that has left my family and me and I in a state of anguish. The efforts to secure her release have been ongoing, consuming vast amounts of my time and energy as I tirelessly engage with the Canadian embassy, yet regrettably without success thus far. Additionally, my mother is over the age of 60 and being in prison for a year has tremendously deteriorated her health. I have not been able to see or hear from her since May of 2023 and I have been made aware that her living conditions are inhumane.The separation from my mother, coupled with the distressing conditions she faces, has taken a profound toll on my mental well-being, as our bond is incredibly strong.
In the midst of this turmoil, my dear grandmother's health began to deteriorate rapidly in November. Her passing in January of this year left a profound void in my heart, as she played a significant role during my formative years. It left me in a state of shock and frankly, it was very hard to get over her passing especially because I had not seen her in the last two years.
Moreover, my father has been dealing with his own health battles, having been diagnosed with Angina, a stress-induced heart condition, exacerbated by the stress of my mother's situation in Ethiopia. His health struggles have forced me to increase travel between home and school, further complicating my academic commitments.
In addition to these familial challenges, I have been confronting my own health issues. In December of 2023, I was diagnosed with a condition while non life-threatening was still very difficult to come to terms with. This, combined with the countless doctor visits as a result of loss of appetite and sleep posed significant obstacles to my ability to fully engage in my studies. Recognizing the importance of prioritizing my well-being, I made the difficult decision to take a step back from my academic pursuits to focus on restoring my physical and mental health during the winter semester.
Despite my best efforts to navigate these challenges, I found myself overwhelmed by their cumulative impact, rendering me unable to meet the rigorous demands of my coursework. Looking back, I realize that I should have sought assistance and communicated more effectively with my professors, rather than attempting to shoulder the burden alone. I have since sought professional support, including counseling and medication for my anxiety and depression, and I feel better equipped to navigate the challenges ahead.
With a renewed sense of determination and resilience, I am earnestly seeking your understanding and compassion in reconsidering my academic standing. Completing my degree holds immense significance not only for me but also for my family, who have sacrificed immeasurably to support my educational endeavors.
I am hopeful that you will consider the extenuating circumstances that have impacted my academic journey and afford me the opportunity to demonstrate my commitment to academic excellence.
Thank you for taking the time to consider my request. Your empathy and understanding mean a great deal to me as I strive to overcome the obstacles before me. I’ve attached supplemental documents below from my counselors as well as my copy of the letter I had to write to the Canadian Embassy regarding my mother’s arrest.

Warmest regards,
Sara Jamal