Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Associate Dean,

I am writing to respectfully petition for a late course drop for LAW 203, PHAR 100, and CANC 380 due to significant extenuating personal and medical circumstances that severely impacted my academic performance during the Winter 2026 term.

Beginning March 2026, I experienced a serious decline in my mental health alongside person family issues. This loss had a profound emotional impact on me and significantly affected my ability to function academically and personally. During this period, I struggled with severe depression, overwhelming emotional distress, and suicidal thoughts, which made it extremely difficult to focus, attend to coursework, complete assignments, or prepare for examinations.

As my condition worsened, I sought medical support and therapy and was granted long-term academic consideration by my physician from the end of March until April 30, 2026. Despite receiving academic consideration, I continued to experience substantial mental health difficulties throughout this period. I was attempting to continue my studies and keep up with my coursework because I am currently in my fourth year and deeply want to complete my degree and graduate. However, the emotional and psychological toll of these circumstances left me unable to effectively manage my academic responsibilities.

The effects of these circumstances directly impacted my performance in LAW 203, PHAR 100, and CANC 380. During this time, I was unable to complete several assignments, course requirements, and examinations. I fell significantly behind academically because I was struggling simply to manage daily functioning and mental stability. Although I made efforts to communicate with instructors and complete work where possible, I was not in a condition where I could perform at the level required to successfully complete these courses.

In addition to these mental health challenges, I suffered a back injury at the gym on May 2, 2026, shortly after the academic consideration period ended. The injury significantly limited my mobility and ability to sit, move comfortably, and continue attempting to catch up academically. I sought medical attention for this injury as well and have supporting medical documentation regarding my condition.

Throughout this period, I have attempted to take appropriate steps to address my circumstances, including seeking medical assistance, obtaining academic consideration documentation, and communicating with course teams where possible. Unfortunately, despite these efforts, the combination of grief, severe mental health challenges, and subsequent physical injury made it impossible for me to successfully complete these courses.

I understand the seriousness of requesting a late course drop after the academic deadline and would not make this request unless I truly believed it was necessary. These circumstances were beyond my control and had a direct and substantial impact on my academic performance during the term. I am requesting compassionate consideration so that I may prioritize my recovery and move forward academically without these courses permanently affecting my record during an exceptionally difficult period of my life.

Due to the significant impact these circumstances have had on both my academic performance and overall well-being, I have made the difficult decision to consider stepping away from completing the Honours Life Sciences degree requirements and instead pursue graduation with the Bachelor of Science degree. At this point, prioritizing my mental health and recovery while still being able to complete my undergraduate education is the most realistic and necessary path forward for me.

Thank you very much for your time, understanding, and consideration of my petition.

Sincerely,

Sahana Dharan