Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Associate Dean (Studies),

This appeal is to request a waiving of the 21-day deadline to appeal to drop courses. At the very end of the first term and into the second term of third year, I was talking to someone at Academic Services so that I could consider my options. From there, I talked to the FREN330 professor (one of the courses I knew I would fail) and asked for an incomplete grade, with which he agreed. Part of the reason why I failed that course, in particular, was the professor who I was uncomfortable talking to due to his touchy nature (something my peers also found to be a source of discomfort) and the fact that he brought my absence from his class to the entire class¿¿ attention. I ended up abandoning the reversal of this incomplete grade because I knew that I would be expected to write the tests and assignments in his office and I did not feel that the person I talked to at Academic Services understood the extent of my discomfort. During the first term of this school year (2017/2018), I retook FREN330 with another professor and I ended up getting an A- which is testament to my ability to complete this course diligently when my mental and physical health are not in such a poor state. In terms of ENGL237, I have taken an alternate English course to cover it, which means that I am able to graduate this spring. The other reason that I did not submit an appeal sooner was that I was not able to rehash the details of third year and the deterioration that went along with it. Even now, over a year after the term that caused much distress, it is painful for me to talk about. The decision to consult a counsellor at Student Wellness Services was more than a step in the right direction because now I have some tools to dig myself out of mental trenches, but it does not make third year any easier to reconcile.
In the summer before fourth year, the Concurrent Education advisor sends an audit to let you know whether or not you will fulfil the terms of your degree. Much was required of me this year to pull this off so last term (fall term of fourth year) was a redemption in a way because I was able to get back on track academically and focus my efforts into finishing off my undergraduate degree strong. I am initially requesting a waiving of the deadline and if successful, I will submit a more detailed letter to request that these two failed courses (ENGL237 and FREN330) be changed to dropped grades. I understand that I cannot erase that year, but part of the process of making peace and moving forward from things is closure, and I feel that these academic appeals will allow me to continue the growth and development for which I have worked hard.

Thank you for your consideration,
Olivia Fiedler
10134730