Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Associate Dean of Studies,

I am appealing to request for credit standing in ECON212 (FW2017-2018) which ended December 2017.

The fall of 2017 marked the beginning of a very challenging period of time for me personally and due to extenuating circumstances I was unable to successfully manage my course load although I tried desperately to do so. My physical, mental and emotional well-being was very negatively affected due to two main reasons. First, I was diagnosed with a psychological disorder in the fall of 2017 which affected me physically as well. Residual symptoms are still present. My ability to concentrate on my studies was adversely impacted beginning September 2017 because I struggled to remain focused, to take initiative and to stay on task. My memory was also negatively affected as I experienced great difficulty with recall of dates and information. I would attempt to study but be unable to remember most of what I had spent hours studying. This does not characterize me as a learner. I have also been very capable of demonstrating very effective study habits and recall of information. I would suffer intense panic attacks which meant, for instance, that I could not sit throughout an entire class without feeling the desperate need to walk out in an attempt to deal with the panic attack. The anxiety was intense. Secondly, I was further adversely impacted during the very exact time period by the illness of my younger brother which only further aggravated my condition, particularly upon my visits to the family home. I felt powerless not being able to help him and his condition caused me to worry excessively. Because I have also been a very hard working and conscientious student who strives to meet high expectations, it was further debilitating to me personally not to be able to effectively focus, remember and perform due to these triggers and stressors. During this period of time, beginning September 2017 to the beginning months of 2018, I experienced a most challenging period characterized by adversity, anxiety, depression and physical symptoms of illness. I hope I have expressed how challenging it has been without disclosing too many intimate and personal details.

I have taken gradual steps to help me progressively deal with the ongoing difficulties presented by the above situation. First, I have consulted regularly with my physician who has prescribed a treatment of care. Second, I have also maintained regular contact with a secondary health care professional, a very experienced psychologist, whom I saw for CBT and counselling. Third, I have undergone an assessment with an experienced and well respected psychologist in the area of Biofeedback and Neurofeedback. I have completed a series of sessions in biofeedback and neurofeedback aimed at improving the symptoms of my condition.



My plan includes maintaining contact with my doctor and my psychologists. I also plan to continue with the neurofeedback and biofeedback sessions when I return to Toronto for visits. It is my intention to continue to avail myself of the above supports and resources so that I may have a stronger and successful academic school year which is more consistent with my history and profile as a learner.

I am most appreciative of your time and attention in considering my appeal to grant credit status to ECON212 / FW2017-208.

Sincerely,


Rachael Tontodonati