Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Associate Dean of Studies

I am writing to you today, asking to receive credit standing for the following courses; Math 121, Chem 112, Phys106 and Math 112 (Winter 2016).

I am looking to receive credit standing on the following courses because I was not able to put forward my best work in the second semester of my first year (winter 2016). In the first week of January I received a tremendous blow to the head resulting in a concussion. The concussion however, could not be assessed until the first week of February as shown on the doctor¿¿s note I attached to this document. Dealing with this concussion was incredibly hard, as I wanted to do my best in my classes but was not able to as I was told to refrain from movement as much as possible and to essentially only leave rooms if it was absolutely necessary. I attempted to attend classes for the first week after being diagnosed but I found it incredibly hard to concentrate in classes and when I could concentrate I was already behind in the work and could not understand the topic at hand. At this point I was at a loss because I wanted to do well in my first year at university but was not able to because I could not attend classes or learn to my full capability. Ultimately, I was not able to get the grade that I truly deserved and as a result have been placed on academic probation. I feel as though I could have definitely done better than it shows in that semester and I wish to take the proper procedures to fix this matter at hand.

My future plan for getting off academic probation would be to take an easier course-load, which I have done. I have also taken a smaller course-load, only taking 4 classes. These two factors alone have definitely shown to improve my GPA but another factor I found to benefit me a lot is that fact that I have an interest in all of the courses whether they be electives or requisite courses for my program. I have enjoyed each of the courses I have taken this past semester (Fall 2016) and I look forward to those in the 2017 winter semester. Even with academic probation weighing over me I decided to take matters into my own hands and not take courses that would lead to the highest paying degree (Engineering) but instead to a degree that I am interested in (Mathematics and Statistics). I think that if I am able to overcome academic probation I will continue to work with the same attitude as if I am on academic probation because it has only pushed me to do better and realize that I can only put forward my best in what is asked of me. I wish to complete my Mathematics and Statistics degree as close to on time as I can. I was set back by a concussion in first year and tried my hardest to overcome it on my own whether that is with programs like Bounce Back or with tutoring in courses such as Chem 112 and Physics 106. Those resources could only help me so much and the result was not what I hoped for. Now I¿¿m asking for your help to see that I have definitely tried to change my ways and improve my GPA I understand that nothing comes easy to anyone but those who work will receive what they deserve. I wish for you to grant me credit standing in the courses I listed above and in return I will prove to you that I deserved them.

In conclusion, I received a concussion at a critical turning point in my academic journey and I ended up in what feels like rock bottom. I am trying to take all the necessary steps I can see to bring me back to ¿¿even¿. I know I have one more semester to get off academic probation but this appeal is my last shot to correct the grades I received in my second semester of first year.

I thank you for all your time and your understanding.

Kind Regards, Stephen Sloan 10184530