Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Associate Dean,

I am writing to appeal for a late drop in math 101 and Bisc 101 and to appeal for a credit standing in psychology 100 and astronomy 101. This appeal will be based on medical extenuating circumstances, regarding which I have attached documentation.

I have struggled with depression and anxiety since 9th grade. In high school, when it first manifested, I didn't understand that it was not a normal emotional response to everyday stresses and disappointments in life. As I matured and my academic responsibilities became more pronounced, I progressed further into a depressed state. I did not share this with anyone because I assumed that I could handle it myself and eventually overcome it. Although I did not share this with parents, because of my sister¿¿s depression and noticing my unusual behavior and , they did encourage me to seek help. Finally at the end of my first semester at the Bader International Study Centre, after receiving help for a near suicide attempt, I realized that I needed medical help and started to see a professional. In combination with my depression, my grandparents worsening health and dire financial situation contributed to the anxiety I was already feeling about assignments and other general school worries. All of these extenuating circumstances resulted in my withdrawal from social situations, more than I already had, as well as withdrawal from my academic responsibilities. I could not get myself up in the morning to go to class. I found myself unable to complete assignments because of a fog that had come over my brain which limited by ability to think or retain any information that I had just read as little as 5 minutes prior. I had trouble sleeping; even if I fell asleep at 9 pm I would toss and turn and only half-sleep until I would be exhausted from attempting to sleep, that I would only be able to wait for my alarm to sound. I was constantly exhausted and barely had the energy to eat, resulting in significant weight loss, and most likely contributed to my exhaustion. I saw a counselor at BISC once every two weeks, which I now realize was not enough.

As you may have noticed Spanish 112 is not one of my many classes that I am appealing or dropping. This is due to the fact that I received an acceptable grade in the class. The reason for this is a year prior, I spent a month in Costa Rica intensively learning Spanish and speaking to locals and consequently this course was a reinforcement of my previous Spanish language experiences. My Spanish professor was also very kind, and incredibly lenient with our grades.

I am now seeing a psychologist and will continue to do so every Thursday. I also will be taking medication to help alleviate the symptoms associated with depression. I anticipate being mentally prepared for school next semester as a result of the combination of medical care and family support. Following this appeal will be a letter from a medical professional documenting my previous mental state during the time period over which this occurred.

Thank you,

Diana Ingham