Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: To whom it may concern,

I am writing to you today to request the ability to drop a course past the academic deadline without academic penalty. The course I am requesting to drop is first year Greek Civilization (CLST 102). I am a third-year psychology student, who is very interested in the history of the world, which is why I chose this particular course as an elective, but now I need to reevaluate my course load.

As the year progressed, many personal issues arose that I did not anticipate. I have academic accommodations because I have struggled with depression throughout university, and was granted these accommodations following my suicide attempt in March of last year. I have improved since that time in my life, but a month ago I was taken by surprise when I found out my best friend (and housemate) was sleeping with my boyfriend (now ex). I know this is probably one of the most trivial stories you may have heard, but those two individuals were my support system when dealing with my mental health. The confusion and anger that this situation gave me ended up overwhelming me to the point where it was difficult to concentrate in class or on my assignments. I have found myself spiraling into old self-destructive habits, and this is my attempt to try and lessen the load on my shoulders so I can try and concentrate on my own health. By dropping this course, I will have more time see my therapist, or to even make new healthy habits, like going to the gym (something my doctors advise me to do frequently). I must stress the fact that not only was this an act my best friend committed against me, but something my housemate committed, meaning my own house feels similar to a war zone. I spend most of my time couch hopping because it is very difficult for me to come home to my ex boyfriend and ex best friend sitting in the living room. With so many personal issues going on in my life right now, I believe the best option for me is to lessen my course load. This will allow me to maintain a higher GPA and the opportunity to get help, because I do not ever want to end up in the place I was in during March.

I hope this shed some light onto how the past month has treated me. I truly do want to improve my overall health, and I wholeheartedly believe that this is my first step towards a happier and healthier life. Thank you for taking the time to read my case and to take my circumstances into account when viewing my request to drop a course without academic penalty.

All the best,

Lauren