Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Associate Dean (Studies),

I am writing you today with the sincere hope of receiving a credit standing for my course ECON 112. I enrolled in ECON 112 understanding it diverted from my typical courses, and as a replacement for my language credit required for the Global Development Studies medial. As an individual with a learning difference I was exempt from languages throughout middle school and high school. I was exempt from completing the required French courses for the Ontario High School Diploma due to the nature of my learning difference, as it would place me at a disadvantage to my peers. A requirement for my Global Development medial is 3.0 units of a language. I spoke with the head of the department, Partiosh Kumar, regarding my concerns. It was agreed my language credit would be replaced with ECON 112 as it would expose me to an alternative path of studies that would contribute to my growth of knowledge. A confirmation email of this agreement has been attached.
However, this semester proved challenging. An incident occurred over the holiday break in January. I was sexually assaulted by a stranger while unconscious, and became conscious during the act. I awoke in a place not familiar to me and to a stranger. This incident took a significant toll on my mental health, hindering my performance in ECON 112 to reflect my true academic ability.
Mid-way through the semester I reached out for professional help as I was very depressed, had great anxiety, and was often breaking-down. I have attached a letter from my counsellor. It was around this time I realized my ECON 112 grade was being effected and sought to speak with an Academic Advisor. I spoke with an Academic Advisor regarding my situation and my concern if I should drop the course and take it in another semester. It was advised I speak with my professor(s), and if I decided to remain in the course and received a grade not reflective of my true academic ability I have the option to appeal. I then spoke with my ECON 112 professors, Ugurhan Berkok and Ian Cromb, regarding the challenges I was facing and concern for my grade. I decided to continue with the course and try the best of my ability to succeed in the course. However, despite my best efforts the impacts of the sexual assault remained to affect me daily.
The final grade I received was a C. This grade is well below my average grade, most of my Arts and Science grades are between a B+ and A- range. I was aware this course would require more time and dedication as the topic was new to me. Although, the sexual assault significantly impacted my ability to allot the further required time as I was enduring great anxiety and depression with frequent breakdowns. I believe my circumstances placed me at a disadvantage to my peers, were beyond my control, and do not reflect my true academic ability.
The grades from my other Art and Science courses from this semester were A-, A-, and A. These grades are more reflective of my true academic ability. Within my other courses, my circumstances did effect my performance and I met with my professor¿¿s, accommodations were made to ensure my final grade was reflective of my true academic ability.
In the future if similar circumstances were to arise, I will ensure to start professional counselling sooner to begin the healing process and reduce my course load to ensure a grade is not impacted by external circumstances.
I sincerely hope I have demonstrated the strain the sexual assault placed on my physical and mental well-being, the circumstances were beyond my control, and my ECON 112 grade is not reflective of my true academic ability. If you have any further questions, concerns, or would like additional information or evidence please do not hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,

Nicole Toole