Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: To the Dean/Academic Appels Committee,

I am writing to formally petition for my final grade in POLS 285 during the Fall term of 2024 to be changed from a C- to a No Grade. I am requesting this change due to extenuating circumstances that happened to me in September 2024. Specifically, I experienced a traumatic sexual assault that strongly impacted me and my mental and physical health, along with my emotional well-being, which ultimately affected my ability to complete this course to my full academic standard. The current C-grade does not accurately represent my understanding or effort in this course, and I ask respectfully if it can be replaced by a No Grade, considering the circumstances I experienced.

During the term when this course took place, I experienced a traumatic sexual assault that greatly impacted my mental and physical health, which affected my ability to focus and manage my academics as I normally would. During this time, I had very little motivation and did not feel safe or secure in speaking to someone for help or any form of accommodations. During this time, my priority was to feel physically and mentally better and secure, which unfortunately took a toll on my academic performance. I had very little to no motivation after the assault, and my energy levels and cognitive capacity were at an all-time low. Despite my efforts and trying to act like nothing had happened, my performance in attending lectures and completing assignments declined significantly due to the assault.

Though I did genuinely try my hardest in my courses, it was was always still something in the back of my head, and the effects of the trauma interfered with my ability to work and learn to my full potential. A few weeks after my assault was the first midterm of the course, and I could not physically bring myself to sit at a desk and learn without pain, or mentally bring myself to as I felt utterly empty. The final grade on my transcript does not accurate represent my academic ability or work ethic I would normally put under normal circumstances. It is a circumstance that compromised my academic performance and future. I feel that this grade does not accurately reflect my abilities in this course or the effort I would have normally put in. Replacing my grade with a No Grade would allow me to address academic consequences without being put at a disadvantage for something that was outside of my control.

At this time, I was unable to seek academic support or accommodations through the school services, as I had no motivation or energy to do anything. The emotional and psychological effects that happened on that day had a great impact on me, and I was essentially numbed. These effects still persist today, but I am receiving better help and support, and I better understand that there were procedures that could have helped me during that time; I was just not mentally well enough to do so. I have since gone to seek support through therapists and am in a better mindset to follow these procedures.

Since attending therapy, I am prepared to provide and documentation, medical notes, or inquiries there may be regarding my situation. I will provide any necessary documentation or procedures to complete this petition. My intention is not to avoid responsibility but to ensure my academics accurately reflect me and not the situation someone forced me in. Replacing my C- with a No Grade would allow my transcript to see that it was not a lack of effort or ability that resulted in the grade, but a traumatic event that altered my ability to academically perform.

I respectfully ask the committee to consider my circumstances with compassion and understanding to approve the request to change my grade from C- to No grade. This change would greatly support my academic progress while acknowledging the impact of what happened to me. I would be grateful for the opportunity to advance in my studies without this grade impacting me from my traumatic past.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I truly appreciate your understanding and will provide any further inquiries that may occur.

Sincerely,
Raegan Luisser