Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: I am appealing for a dropped course with no academic penalty past the academic deadline in PHIL 296.
Due to extenuating circumstances beyond my control, my capabilities were hindered by a physical illness that has affected my academics since March 2013. My symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, extreme uterine and rectal bleeding, fatigue, severe cramping and the inability to control bowel movements, have continued since then and become more severe. Early in the winter semester of 2014, my gynaecologist prescribed me a new medication and was hopeful that this would relieve my symptoms; she indicated it needed three months to take full effect. I was also scheduled for surgery at the end of June. My symptoms continued and the medication resulted in numerous side effects such as constant uterine bleeding which caused dizziness and frequent blackouts. I was also prescribed tylenol 3 and percocet for the pain which caused additional side effects. The side effects of the medications paired with my already severe condition further limited my abilities and forced me to return home, which resulted in me missing the midterm for PHIL 296 on February 5th 2014. Professor Weisberg and I agreed to an alternate plan where I was to write supplementary assignments in lieu of my exams. These were to be handed in at the end of the semester.
We hoped the medication would relieve my symptoms before the end of the semester and allow me to complete the remainder of my work. However, the medication was completely ineffective in relieving any of my symptoms which resulted in me taking an incomplete so that I could finish the course work over the summer. Between the end of the semester and my surgery, I still had all of my severe symptoms and was experiencing extreme fatigue. This prevented me from focusing and doing any work before my surgery. I had surgery June 25th 2014 and am still suffering from post-operative pain and persistent urinary tract infections. These issues have further debilitated me and prevented me from completing my course work. The results of the surgery will not be known until October 2014. Since the prognosis of the surgery is unclear, I will continue to be monitored by my doctor.
Due to the agreement I had with Professor Weisberg during the winter semester, I focused my limited attention on my other courses that had earlier deadlines. This caused PHIL 296 to fall by the wayside during the semester as I felt I would have sufficient time later to complete it. However, my persisting illness caused me to be unable to finish PHIL 296 by the end of the semester as well as two other courses, RELS 236 and PHIL 328. Since I did not have agreements for later due dates during the semester with the other two professors, I tried my hardest to complete as much as I could. This resulted in me being more prepared and to have more completed in these courses then PHIL 296. Having more work done earlier allowed me to finish the other two courses.
At this point, I feel I am too far behind to complete PHIL 296 independently and hope you will allow me to drop the course with no academic penalty past the drop date. I have consulted Professor Weisberg and my disability services advisor Lee Fisher-Goodchild who both support my decision to drop the course.

Thank you,

Laura Latinovich