Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: I am writing to respectfully submit a petition to drop a course after the deadline for PHIL 296 as advised after my previous petition for a Credit Standing was not approved. This request is based on significant extenuating circumstances beyond my control that directly and substantially impacted my academic performance throughout the term. As a result of these circumstances, I was unable to perform at a level consistent with my academic ability, and the final grade in PHIL 296 does not accurately reflect my capabilities as a student.

During the period in which I was enrolled in this course, I experienced a significant decline in my mental health, largely associated with ongoing emotionally distressing family circumstances and instability in my personal support system. These challenges included heightened anxiety, emotional exhaustion, and difficulty maintaining consistent academic focus and engagement. This period also involved the strain of managing increasing independence and financial responsibility while attempting to complete my degree, which further compounded the psychological impact. These circumstances developed over time and directly affected my ability to consistently attend to coursework, resulting in reduced academic performance in PHIL 296. Although I made continued efforts to engage with the course and complete assignments when possible, my ability to do so was significantly impaired throughout the duration of the term.

I did seek support through Student Wellness Services and have since been actively working to address my mental health through ongoing therapy and the use of cognitive behavioural strategies. While I have made meaningful progress in stabilizing my mental health and improving my overall functioning, the effects of this period had a long term impact in the final grade assigned at the end of the semester.

Given that the Credit Standing was not granted and the Professor did not approve a review of my final grade, I am requesting that PHIL 296 be dropped from my academic record in recognition of the documented extenuating circumstances that materially affected my ability to complete the course successfully. I remain fully committed to completing my degree with a GPA that has a more positive reflection of my academic career and growth. Further, I have taken active steps toward improving my well-being, including ongoing therapeutic support, lifestyle adjustments and efforts to strengthen my familial relationships.

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