Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: This letter is to appeal to late drop BIOL 103, CHEM 112, FILM 110, GEOL 106 and GPHY 101 in winter term 2018 due to medical extenuating circumstances.



Since my diagnosis of macular edema, I have been on several medications, and as of the spring of 2017 a new medication was prescribed to me by Dr. Vincent (as per attached letter) which I strongly believe has affected my school work. During the past academic year, the side effects of the medication included a lack of focus, tiredness, drowsiness and confusion as described in Dr. Vincent's letter. In February of 2018, I visited Dr. Vincent to discuss the progress of my vision with the new medication. It became instantly apparent that not only were the tests showing a gradual degradation of my vision, but also that the side effects were much more pronounced than initially believed; i.e my focus and tiredness were acute under the new drug. We made an immediate decision to end the prescription and to detoxify from the new medication in order to begin with a new one, which would take approximately 6 months. The side effects persisted, however, in spite of my hope that as I was no longer taking the medication, the impact of the side effect on my ability to study, read for any length of time, prepare for tests and write assignments would lessen with time, I was unable to perform academically well enough to recover. By the time that this was realized, it was too late to drop the courses so I forged ahead, thinking that as the side effects reduced my concentration and focus would also return.



At the end of August of 2018 I will be completely detoxified and ready to take the new medication. I firmly believe that with the right medication I will be able to fulfil my academic requirements as I always have done prior to taking the new pills. It was because of this impending appointment and new medication that I did not appeal the requirement to withdraw as I did not want to further impact my academics by returning before I was well enough to succeed. Upon reflection, I think that I would prefer to leave my options open on the hope that my physician feels that I am ready to return to study in the fall or winter term.



It is for these reasons that I would greatly appreciate if my courses could be dropped in order for me to begin anew in the hope of becoming the successful student I know I can be.



Attached is the letter from my specialist. I would appreciate any consideration you can give my request.



Matteo Fina