Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Respected Dean,

My name is Akanksha Malhotra (10150375), I am a fourth-year Life Science student. I am appealing for Aegrotat standing in BCHM 218 (Fall 2017). I am requesting AG standing as I have been facing serious difficulties relating family matter and my mental health. These extenuating circumstances have left serious negative impact on my well- being.

This letter explains the extenuating circumstances I have been facing. In the month of December my parents were going through a difficult time. They are currently separated and considering divorce. My dad has disowned me due to personal religious beliefs and has informed me that he will not be supporting me financially once I'm done with university. He has not spoken to me for almost 2 months now and has left the country without telling me. There are a lot of other issues that my family is going through as well. All together this has left me extremely overwhelmed and left serious effects on my studies. I find myself unable to concentrate and focus, and get through every day task.

I was going to write my BCHM exam on the 8th of January, but as I was preparing for that exam I was unable to focus and concentrate. I found myself constantly thinking about my dad, family issues and broke down. My doctor has diagnosed me with depression, anxiety and insomnia. I have frequent headaches and the stress is overwhelming to me. My family situations have taken an unbelievable toll on my mental and physical health. At this time, I want to make my mental health a priority so that I am able to function day to day and finish my education.

I understand that I am enrolled in classes for winter semester, however I am mostly taking courses online and courses that do not have exams. I will be commuting from Toronto to Kingston every week as I am unable to take care of my well being by myself. I am unable to study for an exam and finish 6 courses due to my poor mental health. BCHM is a core requirement for me to graduate, if I appear for the exam and do not do well, I will not be able to repeat this course with my mental health state and lack of financial support after this semester. With everything going on in my life affecting my health, I am unable to have a long concentration span. Unfortunately, BCHM 218 is heavily based on memorization and is an extremely detailed course. My mental health is suffering and is preventing me from studying. I want to get better and make my health a priority at this time. It is important that I plan my courses out with care due to my poor mental state so that I am able to finish my degree, BCHM 218 is hindering this for me and I am not well enough to finish this course.

Thank you for taking the time to read my letter. Your understanding and consideration is very appreciated.



Thank you,
Sincerely
Akanksha Malhotra