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Petition Letter: Letter of Appeal

Jan 10, 2025

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing to appeal my grade and reverse the grades back to IN for PHIL 314—Fall 2023 and PHIL 332—Winter 2023 with the support of my professors. I have been experiencing Long COVID symptoms since I contracted COVID twice in Winter 2022 & Winter 2023 and got RSV in November 2023. In addition, I have severe cervical spondylosis, nodules, and endocrine issues. I took the 2024 winter term off due to my family crisis and medical reasons. During the semester off, I had problems logging on to the SOLUS and could not access the course handouts and emails.
Earlier in 2024, two important elders in my family passed away. Of these, my grandmother was the one who had the deepest emotional attachment to me in the entire family. My grandmother was hospitalized last Christmas when I was back home to see her. She was already living with dementia and incontinence for almost a year. I went to the hospital every day to take care of her and prepare food. I also assisted my family in finding the doctors and treatment options for my grandmother’s condition. When things got worse, I felt it was my duty and responsibility to be there for my family in the face of such circumstances. Everyone in the family is still reeling from the sudden trauma now.
I have been on medication for depression and anxiety since August. I connected with the Student Wellness Services and tried and adjusted the dosage of my medications with the doctor in SWS. The side effects made me uncomfortable for a while, so I did not make this application last term as I was not sure about my mental health conditions. Now I am still actively receiving medication, trauma counselling, and physiotherapy. I am also seeing an Occupational Therapist. My mental state is much more stable, and I believe I can complete the previously unfinished work.
I now only need credits for those final two classes to graduate. I have drafts and outlines for each of my papers. I was an active participant in both classes, and I like the content, so I hope I can still get the chance to submit my work. I resumed my studies in September. I was doing well with seminars and conferences last semester with the support from the accommodations.
I have spoken with my professors, discussed the plan with them, and stayed at school to finish my assignments. I hope you consider the situation and allow me to submit the papers.
Best Regards,
Shiyue Lin
Student ID#20252384