Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: To the Associate Dean of Studies:

My name is Tina Mgonja and I am writing to appeal to late drop the courses I took from Fall 2016 to Fall 2017. From Fall 2016: ARTH 250; from Winter 2017: HIST 124, HIST 280, MUSC 271; from Summer 2017: ARTH 120, ENGL 215; from Fall 2017: LLCU 209, FRST 290 (which is also from Winter 2017).

This last year has been difficult for me, to say the least. Writing this letter if the first step in trying to resolve it as well as to move forward in a more positive direction. During the Fall of 2016 to 2017, I found myself losing my focus and motivation as a result of my anxiety and depression. I have had issues with my anxiety before and it never affected my studies and personal life like it has recently. That is why I thought I could still go on with my studies even with my decreasing motivation. I didn't know I was falling into depression. Around this time, I also didn't have my biggest support system - my mother - as she was moved for her work. We had also moved away from Kingston and I was still trying to settle down. The result of all this was a poor academic year that I constantly regret. While I would usually keep up with all my readings and hand in assignments on-time, I failed to do so. I was also starting to give up so I didn't seek out the school's options for situations like this. And while I was seeing my doctor for my anxiety, I was not fully committed to it. I didn't fully realize what my depression was doing to me.

This year, I contacted my academic advisor for help and I have started to talk to my doctor more seriously about what to do in the future. As advised by my academic advisor, I am planning to take courses over the spring/summer session rather than overpacking my winter term. I am planning to retake some of the courses I have listed above, should they be available this summer. I understand that my plans may have to change given my history and whether this appeal is granted or not, but I would still like to graduate this year. As with my mental health, I am planning to see my doctor more regularly. I hope these regular visits will help me focus on my health and refocus my mind on my studies.

Truthfully, I am still struggling with my mental well-being and my studies as well, but the difference is that I want to improve no matter how long it takes to resolve my issues. I also realize that I am sending in this letter later than expected, but it should be known that my intentions to fulfill my goals are true. It is for the same reasons noted above that I am so late to file this appeal.

I hope you will take my application into consideration and grant me this appeal so I can move forward on a positive note in the coming academic terms.



Sincerely,

Tina Mgonja