Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Associate Dean,

I hope you enjoyed your holidays and that this email finds you well. I am writing you today regarding my concerns with my enrollment in ECON 250 this past fall semester. After careful consideration, I am taking the time to write a letter of appeal with the hopes of dropping ECON 250 without any academic penalties. Throughout my enrollment in ECON 250 this past semester, it has been a struggle for myself, negatively impacting my mental health. This first began when I found myself experiencing abnormal levels of stress and anxiety pertaining to any experiences related to ECON250. I consulted with my doctor on a few different occasions to discuss strategies that could positively benefit myself and my learning. One being, to drop the course. However, I am a firm believer in not quitting and knew that to successfully achieve an Economics degree, it is mandatory to pass this course. Thus, I decided against dropping the class, but rather continued to try my best to succeed in this course. As the course went on, I found myself constantly stressed and my anxiety flaring up every time I was both, learning course concepts and completing task for ECON 250. Over the break, my stress and anxiety hit extreme levels. As I have been studying for the final exam that was deferred due to covid-19 related circumstances, it has worsened my mental state substantially. I decided to contact my doctor again to discuss further direction on the best plan for myself and overall mental health as I felt very unsure and knew I could not continue as is. After meeting with my doctor, it was not long before she examined the high levels of anxiety and stress I was undergoing stemming from my struggles in ECON 250. After a final examination, my doctor has recommended it be best for my mental health to drop ECON 250 and not complete the final exam. The stress and anxiety I am feeling has evidently put a restrain on my ability to concentrate while learning and put forth my best efforts for submissions. With putting my mental health first, the logical answer is for me to drop ECON 250. This was a difficult decision for myself as I understand the Economics major requires I take other courses at the same difficulty level as ECON 250, if not harder. Therefor, after continues consultation with my doctor to create the best plan for me going forward, I have decided to switch my major from Economics to a different fit in order to prioritize my mental health, while still appealing to my interest. Therefore, I write this letter with hopes that you are able to understand the drastic effects of ECON 250 on my mental health class and the extreme benefits dropping this course will have on my overall mental health, as well as my learning for the future. Thank you for taking the time to consider my request, I appreciate it greatly. Looking forward to hearing from you soon.

Stay safe and healthy.

Kind regards,

Alyssa Payne
(20239503)