Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Associate Dean (Studies),

My name is Tori Watson and I am writing to you to appeal for an aegrotat standing in HIST 467(Fall/Winter, 2015/2016). Throughout the last two years of my undergraduate studies, I have been dealing with a chronic medical condition that has led to a decline in my academic life. While not completely diagnosed, this condition makes it very difficult to type and write without pain- especially when my symptoms flare, something that has been ongoing this year. The medication I take to deal with the condition also come with symptoms of their own such as fatigue, dizziness and stomach issues. Before this chronic condition was prevalent, my academics were satisfactory to myself. I have a tendency to bottle things up and hold myself to certain standards that have been almost impossible to achieve these last couple of years, which has resulted in some poor mental health on my part. At the end of last academic year, I had some difficulty that resulted in me attempting to set myself up well for this year. I got my specialist to fill the forms required to register with QSAS, but I believe that I did not use those services fully.
I had problems throughout the year and already have received an aegrotat in April for one of my courses from the fall semester. My professor for HIST 467 has been extremely patient and kind throughout the year and granted me an incomplete, especially since she saw the struggle I was going through during the academic year. I feel like I am letting her and myself down by asking for this aegrotat but unfortunately my difficulties have continued into the summer break period. I thought that by being home I would no longer I have felt so isolated but if anything I think it has made be more aware of my failure to graduate on time. I am extremely stressed trying to work to pay off my debt but also attempt to work on the paper as well. Working has also worsened the condition of my chronic illness and has caused an almost constant flare in my symptoms. My medical condition has worsened and I have had difficulty getting into see a specialist, currently going through a re-referral as my specialist refused to see me.
My overall goal going forward is to be able to graduate this fall. In order to do this, I am writing this letter to change the IN standing of HIST 467 to an aegrotat one (if Dr. Carley is supportive). If this appeal is unsuccessful, I hope to speak with academic advisement to see what I need to do going forward, potentially sign up for online courses if needed. I am hoping to work with my doctors to tailor my medications and diagnosis soon, as well as reaching out for emotional support- be familial or professional. Through this long experience I have learned that I need to be even more direct and forthcoming when I am facing struggles in my life, be them physical or mental. This is a process that I must continually put effort forth in and I will continually try to achieve in as I grow.

Sincerely,
Tori Watson