Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: I am sad that I need to drop this course as I did truly enjoy the subject of European History. However, currently I have too much on my plate right now. I am not failing this course, but I'm barely passing it. Ive struggled with binge eating disorder and bulimia since the 7th grade and since then it has spiralled out of control, especially in my university career. I blame this mostly on stress as in some ways it is not only a stress reliever for me but a part of my life that i felt was necessary. As part of the illness I would prioritize it before everything else as well as spend hours on end binging and purging which could've been spent on studying or doing homework. Afterwards I would feel physically exhausted and ashamed in myself and my appearance. I was often too disgusted with myself to even go outside in public which would lead me to miss even more classes. On winter break I made a promise to myself that I would try to change, however it has also been exhausting and time consuming. The reason i haven't sought help was so long was because I was afraid that the healing process would be too strenuous and time consuming and I didn't want to be taken out of school and extend the date of graduating. I also had only thought the date to drop a course was a financial penalty. I have several upcoming assignments and exams in a relatively short period of time as well as 2 for this course which equate to 50 percent of the grade and I know that I am not ready to write these successfully. I also truly enjoy this course and I would like to take it again in the future, but right now I am not ready to complete all 5 courses successfully and I know a lighter course load would greatly improve my stress, overall mental health and overcoming my eating disorder. I am also willing to talk to a guidance counsellor if I need to give any further explanation or detail.