Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Petition Letter – Request for Late Course Drops Due to Extenuating Circumstances
To the Associate Dean,
I am writing to respectfully request permission to late drop the affected courses listed in my petition from the Fall 2024 and Winter 2025 terms. During these terms, I was living in an unhealthy, controlling, and emotionally abusive relationship that significantly affected my ability to attend classes, complete coursework, and make clear decisions about my academic situation.
At the beginning of the relationship, I did not recognize it as abusive. I was struggling financially, and my partner encouraged me to move in with him. He presented it as an arrangement that would provide me with stability and allow me to focus more on school. At the time, I genuinely believed that I was entering a supportive living situation.
After moving in, however, the relationship and living environment gradually became overwhelming and controlling. I was expected to manage almost every household responsibility, including cleaning every day, preparing meals, and doing the laundry. Initially, I accepted these responsibilities because he was paying most of the household bills, and I believed this was a fair way for me to contribute.
Over time, the expectations became increasingly difficult to manage. If something was not completed exactly as he wanted, it could result in a serious argument. I was frequently yelled at, called names, and made to feel that I could never do anything properly. There were also times when he threatened to kick me out or told me that I had to leave for the night. Because my housing felt dependent on keeping him happy, I constantly worried about upsetting him or doing something that could cause another conflict.
I began prioritizing keeping the peace at home over my own well-being and academic responsibilities. I missed classes because I felt that I needed to make sure everything at home was completed before he returned. Even when I attended class or attempted to work on assignments, I was constantly anxious and distracted. I found it difficult to concentrate, retain information, or remain focused long enough to complete my work.
I eventually began working part-time to help pay for groceries and other expenses. Rather than making the situation easier, this added another responsibility without reducing what was expected of me at home. I often felt physically and emotionally exhausted, and there were days when I did not leave the house because I was overwhelmed by everything I felt responsible for managing.
I also became increasingly isolated. There were times when I did not have full access to my vehicle, and my hometown and family were approximately two hours away. This made me feel trapped and made it more difficult to step away from the situation or recognize how seriously it was affecting me. At the time, I was focused on getting through each day rather than understanding the larger impact the relationship was having on my life.
Fall 2024
During the Fall 2024 term, I began missing classes and struggling to remain engaged with my courses. A significant amount of my time and emotional energy was spent trying to prevent conflict at home and meet the expectations being placed on me.
I made attempts to keep up with my assignments, but I found it increasingly difficult to concentrate and work consistently. I continued telling myself that the situation would improve and that I would eventually be able to catch up. Because I still believed I could recover academically, I did not withdraw from the courses before the deadline.
At that point, I did not fully recognize the seriousness of my circumstances. I believed I was simply failing to manage my responsibilities properly, rather than understanding that I was living in an environment that was negatively affecting my ability to function academically.
Winter 2025
By the Winter 2025 term, the situation had become more emotionally exhausting, and my academic difficulties became significantly worse. I continued missing classes and began falling behind on assignments across multiple courses.
I would sit down intending to complete my work, but I often could not concentrate or remain focused long enough to finish tasks. As I fell further behind, I became increasingly overwhelmed and ashamed. I began avoiding course platforms and academic communication because seeing the amount of work I had missed made the situation feel even more impossible.
Despite this, I continued telling myself that I could catch up if I worked harder. I did not want to admit that I was no longer able to manage everything, and I was embarrassed to tell anyone what was happening in my personal life. I did not understand that my circumstances could justify asking for academic support or withdrawing from my courses after the regular deadline.
My inability to attend consistently, meet deadlines, and complete coursework during these terms was directly connected to the instability, anxiety, isolation, and emotional distress I was experiencing at home.
Reason for the Delay in Submitting My Petition
I understand that I am submitting this petition well after the Fall 2024 and Winter 2025 terms, and I would like to explain why I was unable to make this request sooner.
The same circumstances that affected my academic performance also prevented me from recognizing the seriousness of my situation and taking the appropriate steps at the time. While I was still in the relationship, I was focused almost entirely on managing each day, avoiding conflict, and maintaining my housing. I did not have the emotional distance to understand that the relationship was abusive or to recognize how much it had affected my academic performance.
I also felt embarrassed and blamed myself for what was happening. Instead of viewing my academic record as the result of serious circumstances, I believed that I had simply failed because I had not worked hard enough. Because of this, I did not feel that I had a valid reason to approach the university or ask for help.
The relationship and its effects did not end when the Winter 2025 term ended. I remained in the situation and continued struggling emotionally, which prevented me from properly addressing what had happened during these academic terms. I was not in a stable position to review my academic record, explain my circumstances, collect supporting information, or understand what formal options might be available to me.
It was only after leaving the relationship, moving back home, and gaining some distance from the situation that I began to understand the extent of its impact. Once I was in a safer and more supportive environment, I was able to begin processing what I had experienced and recognize that my academic difficulties were connected to circumstances that I had not been able to manage or disclose at the time.
I have only recently felt stable enough to address my academic record honestly and take the necessary steps to move forward. My delay was not because I was unconcerned about my academics or because I was simply dissatisfied with the grades I received. The delay resulted from the continued effects of the same circumstances that caused my academic difficulties in the first place.
I want to take responsibility for not asking for assistance or withdrawing sooner. I deeply regret that I did not reach out at the time. However, I genuinely did not have the perspective, stability, or understanding necessary to make a clear decision about my courses or advocate for myself.
Since leaving the relationship, I have moved back home and am now living in a stable and supportive environment. I am taking steps to seek appropriate support and make more realistic decisions about my education. I also have accommodations through Ventus and intend to use the available academic and accessibility supports more consistently moving forward.
My plan is to return to my studies with a manageable course load and a clear structure in place. I will communicate with my instructors and academic supports earlier when I am struggling rather than allowing myself to become isolated and overwhelmed. I will also remain in my stable home environment and ensure that I am prepared to fully commit to the courses in which I enrol.
I am not submitting this petition to avoid responsibility or simply to remove grades that I am unhappy with. I am asking for consideration because serious circumstances beyond my control prevented me from meaningfully participating in and completing these courses, and those same circumstances prevented me from requesting assistance within the normal timeframe.
I respectfully ask that the affected courses from the Fall 2024 and Winter 2025 terms be removed from my academic record through late drops. Approval of this petition would allow me to move forward from an extremely difficult period and continue working toward my degree from a healthier, safer, and more stable position.
Thank you for taking the time to read my letter and consider my circumstances.
Sincerely,
Klyne McDonald
Student Number: 20258327
Petition Letter – Request for Late Course Drops Due to Extenuating Circumstances
To the Associate Dean,
I am writing to respectfully request permission to late drop the affected courses listed in my petition from the Fall 2024 and Winter 2025 terms. During these terms, I was living in an unhealthy, controlling, and emotionally abusive relationship that significantly affected my ability to attend classes, complete coursework, and make clear decisions about my academic situation.
At the beginning of the relationship, I did not recognize it as abusive. I was struggling financially, and my partner encouraged me to move in with him. He presented it as an arrangement that would provide me with stability and allow me to focus more on school. At the time, I genuinely believed that I was entering a supportive living situation.
After moving in, however, the relationship and living environment gradually became overwhelming and controlling. I was expected to manage almost every household responsibility, including cleaning every day, preparing meals, and doing the laundry. Initially, I accepted these responsibilities because he was paying most of the household bills, and I believed this was a fair way for me to contribute.
Over time, the expectations became increasingly difficult to manage. If something was not completed exactly as he wanted, it could result in a serious argument. I was frequently yelled at, called names, and made to feel that I could never do anything properly. There were also times when he threatened to kick me out or told me that I had to leave for the night. Because my housing felt dependent on keeping him happy, I constantly worried about upsetting him or doing something that could cause another conflict.
I began prioritizing keeping the peace at home over my own well-being and academic responsibilities. I missed classes because I felt that I needed to make sure everything at home was completed before he returned. Even when I attended class or attempted to work on assignments, I was constantly anxious and distracted. I found it difficult to concentrate, retain information, or remain focused long enough to complete my work.
I eventually began working part-time to help pay for groceries and other expenses. Rather than making the situation easier, this added another responsibility without reducing what was expected of me at home. I often felt physically and emotionally exhausted, and there were days when I did not leave the house because I was overwhelmed by everything I felt responsible for managing.
I also became increasingly isolated. There were times when I did not have full access to my vehicle, and my hometown and family were approximately two hours away. This made me feel trapped and made it more difficult to step away from the situation or recognize how seriously it was affecting me. At the time, I was focused on getting through each day rather than understanding the larger impact the relationship was having on my life.
Fall 2024
During the Fall 2024 term, I began missing classes and struggling to remain engaged with my courses. A significant amount of my time and emotional energy was spent trying to prevent conflict at home and meet the expectations being placed on me.
I made attempts to keep up with my assignments, but I found it increasingly difficult to concentrate and work consistently. I continued telling myself that the situation would improve and that I would eventually be able to catch up. Because I still believed I could recover academically, I did not withdraw from the courses before the deadline.
At that point, I did not fully recognize the seriousness of my circumstances. I believed I was simply failing to manage my responsibilities properly, rather than understanding that I was living in an environment that was negatively affecting my ability to function academically.
Winter 2025
By the Winter 2025 term, the situation had become more emotionally exhausting, and my academic difficulties became significantly worse. I continued missing classes and began falling behind on assignments across multiple courses.
I would sit down intending to complete my work, but I often could not concentrate or remain focused long enough to finish tasks. As I fell further behind, I became increasingly overwhelmed and ashamed. I began avoiding course platforms and academic communication because seeing the amount of work I had missed made the situation feel even more impossible.
Despite this, I continued telling myself that I could catch up if I worked harder. I did not want to admit that I was no longer able to manage everything, and I was embarrassed to tell anyone what was happening in my personal life. I did not understand that my circumstances could justify asking for academic support or withdrawing from my courses after the regular deadline.
My inability to attend consistently, meet deadlines, and complete coursework during these terms was directly connected to the instability, anxiety, isolation, and emotional distress I was experiencing at home.
Reason for the Delay in Submitting My Petition
I understand that I am submitting this petition well after the Fall 2024 and Winter 2025 terms, and I would like to explain why I was unable to make this request sooner.
The same circumstances that affected my academic performance also prevented me from recognizing the seriousness of my situation and taking the appropriate steps at the time. While I was still in the relationship, I was focused almost entirely on managing each day, avoiding conflict, and maintaining my housing. I did not have the emotional distance to understand that the relationship was abusive or to recognize how much it had affected my academic performance.
I also felt embarrassed and blamed myself for what was happening. Instead of viewing my academic record as the result of serious circumstances, I believed that I had simply failed because I had not worked hard enough. Because of this, I did not feel that I had a valid reason to approach the university or ask for help.
The relationship and its effects did not end when the Winter 2025 term ended. I remained in the situation and continued struggling emotionally, which prevented me from properly addressing what had happened during these academic terms. I was not in a stable position to review my academic record, explain my circumstances, collect supporting information, or understand what formal options might be available to me.
It was only after leaving the relationship, moving back home, and gaining some distance from the situation that I began to understand the extent of its impact. Once I was in a safer and more supportive environment, I was able to begin processing what I had experienced and recognize that my academic difficulties were connected to circumstances that I had not been able to manage or disclose at the time.
I have only recently felt stable enough to address my academic record honestly and take the necessary steps to move forward. My delay was not because I was unconcerned about my academics or because I was simply dissatisfied with the grades I received. The delay resulted from the continued effects of the same circumstances that caused my academic difficulties in the first place.
I want to take responsibility for not asking for assistance or withdrawing sooner. I deeply regret that I did not reach out at the time. However, I genuinely did not have the perspective, stability, or understanding necessary to make a clear decision about my courses or advocate for myself.
Since leaving the relationship, I have moved back home and am now living in a stable and supportive environment. I am taking steps to seek appropriate support and make more realistic decisions about my education. I also have accommodations through Ventus and intend to use the available academic and accessibility supports more consistently moving forward.
My plan is to return to my studies with a manageable course load and a clear structure in place. I will communicate with my instructors and academic supports earlier when I am struggling rather than allowing myself to become isolated and overwhelmed. I will also remain in my stable home environment and ensure that I am prepared to fully commit to the courses in which I enrol.
I am not submitting this petition to avoid responsibility or simply to remove grades that I am unhappy with. I am asking for consideration because serious circumstances beyond my control prevented me from meaningfully participating in and completing these courses, and those same circumstances prevented me from requesting assistance within the normal timeframe.
I respectfully ask that the affected courses from the Fall 2024 and Winter 2025 terms be removed from my academic record through late drops. Approval of this petition would allow me to move forward from an extremely difficult period and continue working toward my degree from a healthier, safer, and more stable position.
Thank you for taking the time to read my letter and consider my circumstances.
Sincerely,
Klyne McDonald
Student Number: 20258327