Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: To the Dean,

I am writing to formally request aggregate standing for my HIST 283 course (Fall 2024) and a late drop for DEVS 240 and DEVS 220 (Winter 2024) due to extenuating circumstances that significantly impacted my ability to complete these courses.

During the Winter 2024 semester, I faced an unforeseen and traumatic medical situation that required extensive time in the emergency room, ongoing symptom management, multiple procedures, and ultimately surgery. This situation demanded most of my mental and physical attention, making it impossible to fully engage in my coursework. As a result, I was initially granted a late drop for my DEVS 250 course, which I have since retaken with great success. At the time of my appeal, I believed my medical challenges were nearing resolution, but unfortunately, they persisted. Additionally, I held a full-time, in-person internship throughout the summer for financial reasons, further limiting my ability to complete DEVS 240 and DEVS 220. To ensure these circumstances do not reflect negatively on my academic record, I have proactively registered to retake these courses in the upcoming semester to demonstrate my true capabilities as a committed student.

Regarding HIST 283, the circumstances were different but equally impactful. While I have been performing well in all other coursework this year, I was faced with a personal crisis involving a loved one who was experiencing a severe psychological challenge that posed a risk to their safety. Supporting them in securing the necessary help and connecting them with their family became my top priority. Fortunately, they were able to receive the appropriate resources, but managing this situation took a significant toll on my own well-being.

This course, being online, required active participation in discussion forums, which I was unable to keep up with due to these circumstances. Seeking support, I began seeing a campus counselor, who filed an extenuating circumstances form on my behalf before the winter break. However, due to an administrative oversight by Student Wellness, the supporting documentation was not sent to me in time. Upon returning from the break, Student Wellness acknowledged their error and provided a formal letter explaining the delay. Unfortunately, by that point, the semester had already ended, preventing me from submitting any outstanding coursework.

Prior to these challenges, I was on track for Dean’s List standing, and I remain fully committed to my academic success. I sincerely hope that these exceptional circumstances will be taken into consideration and that I will be granted aggregate standing for HIST 283 and a late drop for DEVS 240 and DEVS 220, ensuring that these difficulties do not unfairly impact my academic record.
Thank you for your time and consideration. Please let me know if any additional information is required to support my request.

Sincerely,
Abby Sullivan
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