Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: I am writing to formally request a late drop for GNDS 428. This request is based on significant extenuating circumstances that were beyond my control and that directly affected my ability to attend class, complete coursework, and perform to the academic standard expected of me this term.

Throughout the semester, I have been undergoing ongoing medical assessment and medication adjustments for ADHD. This process required me to test multiple medications and dosages in order to determine what would be effective for me. Each new medication brought uncertainty, as I had no way of knowing in advance whether it would work or whether I would experience side effects. Unfortunately, many of the medications caused severe symptoms, including intense fatigue, migraines, episodes of feeling my heart pounding in my chest, and overall exhaustion. These symptoms significantly interfered with my daily functioning.

These challenges were further complicated by the fact that my family physician is based in Vancouver. All prescriptions had to be mailed to me, which meant that delays were common. As a result, I often went days without a necessary dosage, leading to withdrawal-like symptoms and further instability in energy, concentration, and mood. Each new medication cycle involved another period of adjustment—hoping the new medication might finally help—while trying to cope with side effects that made even basic tasks difficult.

The combination of unpredictable symptoms, interruptions in access to medication, and the physical and cognitive strain of constant medication changes had a direct and substantial effect on my academic performance. Traveling to campus became extremely difficult, and my ability to participate meaningfully in a seminar course like GNDS 428 was significantly compromised. Despite my efforts to keep up, the instability in my health made consistent academic engagement impossible during this period.
I have been taking steps to address these circumstances, including consulting with my healthcare provider, following recommended medication changes, and attempting to manage the resulting symptoms as best I could. However, the cumulative impact of these challenges was severe enough that I was unable to meet the requirements of GNDS 428.

For these reasons, I respectfully request a late drop for GNDS 428. The circumstances described above are documented and demonstrate that my academic performance was directly affected by factors beyond my control.

Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Ana Mailvaganam