Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: To Whom It May Concern,

I am requesting permission to drop the following two courses late for the Fall 2025 semester, with the hope of no academic penalization, as this term has been met with significant hardship due to my ongoing battle with an eating disorder:
ENGL 431 - Topics in Restoration & 18th Century Literature (Laurence Sterne) (3 credits)
MUSC 381 - Topics in Music: History/Performance in Cabaret (3 credits)

Because this was supposed to be my final year, I was determined to push through, which unfortunately came at the cost of my physical and mental health. I started a new medication to help manage my ADHD, which is also known to be an appetite suppressant, just as the term began. Over the course of October and November, I fainted quite regularly from a lack of nutrition and dehydration, as I fell back into the habits of my eating disorder, which are often exacerbated by stress. At the same time, I was trying to manage my declining health while working at the Kingston Grand Theatre, contributing to the DAN School of Drama and Music, and pursuing my academics.

In late November, I became quite ill in addition to my already declining health and tried to push through during midterm season, but I experienced a sudden fainting incident that unfortunately resulted in a concussion. I was in no position to take care of myself, as I could not keep food or water down, had a severe headache, and felt very weak. My family was able to take me to healthcare professionals, who quickly told me I needed to take as much time as possible to rest and recover. Over the following week, my family, doctors, and I had many discussions about what I needed, and we all agreed that taking time off from school to focus on my health had to take priority, as my physical and mental health were rapidly declining and were heavily impacting my academics.

I was able to drop my other classes on time, but I was in contact with both of the above course instructors, Dr. Christopher Fanning and Patricia O'Callaghan, as I hoped to receive Incomplete Standing so I could complete the remaining course requirements and examinations for credit online. I did not want to lose the progress I had made toward these credits, but I was informed that this was not possible after the drop date had passed.

This semester has been a disheartening loss, as I felt I was so close to the finish line for the Fall 2025 term, which was supposed to be my final year. I am now following my doctors’ recommendations and putting the right team in place to support my recovery, so that I can return in Fall 2026 to complete my final year before applying to Teachers’ College. I hope these unfortunate circumstances do not define my future grades and that, with your help, I may drop these classes with no impact on my transcript.

Thank you for your consideration,
Supreet Miglani