Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Hello,

I am appealing for a course in my Certificate of Business program, COMM221/621 because of extenuating circumstances. This semester, I have been dealing with family problems including my mother being diagnosed with bipolar disorder and being admitted to a mental hospital as well as my parents' small business being expropriated, leaving me to be in charge of the household. This has meant a lot of my time was spent talking to and visiting lawyers, government officials and doctors to make sure that my family was emotionally and financially stable. As a result, I have not had the time I would have needed to spend on a course that I have been deeply struggling with, COMM221/621. Towards the start of the semester, I had been facing depression and panic attacks as a result of family circumstances, and that has affected my ability to study for a midterm that was 40 of my overall mark and for the final exam that is also worth 40, to the best of my ability. These circumstances have affected me for the entire semester, and continue to exist during the exam season. I have been unable to appeal within the specified timeline as I have been busy trying to balance my other courses, graduate applications and my family circumstances until classes officially ended. I am taking steps right now to speak to a counsellor and engage in the TAO program from Student Wellness Centre.