Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Request: I am appealing to drop the following three courses after the deadline: HIST 243; PHIL 247; and POLS 264, which I took in Winter 2019, due to a significant psychological challenge I experienced since January 2019.

Explanation of Extenuating Circumstances: Due to extenuating circumstances beyond my control, specifically an acute mental health illness, I was unable to successfully complete my course load in the Winter 2019 term, which resulted in a failure of the above courses. My mental health illness began in approximately January of 2019 and became progressively worse, becoming quite severe and debilitating until I was diagnosed on June 22, 2019.

Because of this illness, the impact was that I was unable to concentrate on my studies, unable to attend classes, and unable to meet assignment deadlines. In addition, my sleep and appetite were significantly affected and due to anxiety I was unable to seek the necessary support.

Although I was unable to take steps at the time to deal with my extenuating circumstances, upon returning home to Ottawa after classes ended, I consulted a health-care professional and a personal counsellor to take the necessary steps to address the situation.

I was registered in two other courses over the term which I was able to successfully pass, as I had a stronger background and interest in them and was therefore able to pass them. The other courses were areas which I had less background in and so required more concentration and effort.

My extenuating circumstances occurred prior to the drop deadline of the Winter 2019 term, however, I was not able to drop the courses in question by the Week 8 drop deadline due to my significant anxiety and mental health illness.

Future Plan: Should my appeal be granted, I am confident that the personal and academic steps I am taking will allow me to manage my medical condition in such a way that I will be able to make a successful return to my studies in September 2019. I am taking the following steps to ensure my success: reduced course load, regular follow-up with healthcare professionals (medical and counselling), application for academic accommodation, and registration with Student Academic Success Services.

Thank you for your consideration.