Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: 17 November 2014

Dear Associate Dean,


I am writing to appeal to drop Geography 258 and History 446 after the deadline to withdraw due to illness.

I have had stomach pains and nausea in the mornings all summer and into the fall, and had been to my family doctor several times about it. These symptoms became unbearable near the end of October. The nausea and pains did not pass but became more severe. Since October 28, I have been suffering from stomach pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, and have been unable to attend classes.
I have been to emergency twice for Intravenous fluids and anti-nausea medication and to my family doctor for tests and examination. I wrote to my instructors the following week to let them know about my situation. I decided to appeal to drop Film 240 based on my workload, deadlines for assignments and how I was feeling, hoping that I would be able to recover and carry on with my other classes. However I have not fully recovered and still have daily nausea and stomach pains that prevent me from attending classes and focusing on my coursework. I am eating very little and am still weak physically. I also suffer from anxiety and depression for which I am being treated. This sickness has affected my mental health as well as my physical.

I have to make this decision now because I am very worried about my academics and my health. I need to focus on getting better and take some of the pressure of school off. I have talked to both my Profs about dropping the courses and they are supportive. They know I have tried hard and am too sick to attend classes and do the rest of the work. If this appeal is granted, I will still be keeping one course¿¿HIST 348 with Prof. Campbell. This is a two-term course and Prof. Campbell has given me an extension.

Thank you very much for your consideration.


Nicholas KingHill