Petition Letter
Dear Associate Dean,
I am writing to petition the Faculty's decision to late drop my course marks from the Winter 2023 term due to extenuating circumstances that significantly impacted my academic performance. I hope you will consider my situation with empathy and understanding.
During the Winter 2023 term, I was enrolled in two full-year courses and one 3.00 credit course. Unfortunately, my circumstances affected me throughout both semesters which affected the overall outcome of my marks. Here is a timeline of events that affected my academic performance:
I struggled with severe symptoms of PCOS and Endometriosis that significantly impaired my daily functioning. These symptoms would onset suddenly, leading to unpredictable episodes of fainting, severe chronic pain, and PCOS-induced insomnia. I first reached out to my family physician to investigate my symptoms in Summer 2022, as I was experiencing a few symptoms in the Winter term which progressively became more unmanageable and disruptive to my ability to function.
In September 2022, I started two medications for physical and mental impairments that typically take around six months to adjust to. Initially, I did not late drop my courses as I believed the medications would help me as I adjusted to them. However, the medications alone were insufficient, and I continued to experience symptoms that required further investigating and consultations with specialists back home in Oakville. The travel back and forth between Oakville and Kingston for appointments disrupted my ability to attend certain classes. After some tests that took some time, the specialists were able to coordinate a treatment plan for me that was implemented over the course of March-May 2023 that included more prescribed medications as well as a medical procedure.
Throughout this time, I also faced targeted bullying, discrimination, and harassment from a roommate of mine engaging in dangerous behaviours that made me feel unsafe, severely impacting my mental health over the course of the year. Her behaviours were unpredictable and she progressively became worse throughout the year. I tried, but wasn't able to come to a resolution to this conflict, but my living situation improved after she moved out in May 2023.
Finally, I was also struggling with financial manipulation from my parents as a result of their recent divorce. My ability to pay tuition and rent became very uncertain very suddenly in February 2023, and I was unsure if I would be able to continue my studies. Establishing financial independence from my parents while navigating rent and tuition payments became a mental health burden, but I was able to get financial assistance through OSAP for this current school year and establish better boundaries with my family with the help of counselling.
I have taken proactive steps to address my challenges and improve my situation. I sought help from a counsellor at Student Wellness Services who connected me with several resources including QSAS in March 2023 to establish an accommodation plan for my academic needs. I am consulting specialists to adhere to a treatment plan to alleviate and cope with my symptoms, as well as have retaken the courses that I failed last year with a lighter course load and have since achieved better grades this time.
In light of these circumstances and my commitment to academic success, I kindly request that the Faculty consider late dropping my course marks for the Winter 2023 term. Your understanding and support in this matter would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you for taking the time to review my petition. I am hopeful for a positive resolution that acknowledges the challenges I have faced and the progress I am making towards a brighter academic future.
Sincerely,
Izza Raza
I am writing to petition the Faculty's decision to late drop my course marks from the Winter 2023 term due to extenuating circumstances that significantly impacted my academic performance. I hope you will consider my situation with empathy and understanding.
During the Winter 2023 term, I was enrolled in two full-year courses and one 3.00 credit course. Unfortunately, my circumstances affected me throughout both semesters which affected the overall outcome of my marks. Here is a timeline of events that affected my academic performance:
I struggled with severe symptoms of PCOS and Endometriosis that significantly impaired my daily functioning. These symptoms would onset suddenly, leading to unpredictable episodes of fainting, severe chronic pain, and PCOS-induced insomnia. I first reached out to my family physician to investigate my symptoms in Summer 2022, as I was experiencing a few symptoms in the Winter term which progressively became more unmanageable and disruptive to my ability to function.
In September 2022, I started two medications for physical and mental impairments that typically take around six months to adjust to. Initially, I did not late drop my courses as I believed the medications would help me as I adjusted to them. However, the medications alone were insufficient, and I continued to experience symptoms that required further investigating and consultations with specialists back home in Oakville. The travel back and forth between Oakville and Kingston for appointments disrupted my ability to attend certain classes. After some tests that took some time, the specialists were able to coordinate a treatment plan for me that was implemented over the course of March-May 2023 that included more prescribed medications as well as a medical procedure.
Throughout this time, I also faced targeted bullying, discrimination, and harassment from a roommate of mine engaging in dangerous behaviours that made me feel unsafe, severely impacting my mental health over the course of the year. Her behaviours were unpredictable and she progressively became worse throughout the year. I tried, but wasn't able to come to a resolution to this conflict, but my living situation improved after she moved out in May 2023.
Finally, I was also struggling with financial manipulation from my parents as a result of their recent divorce. My ability to pay tuition and rent became very uncertain very suddenly in February 2023, and I was unsure if I would be able to continue my studies. Establishing financial independence from my parents while navigating rent and tuition payments became a mental health burden, but I was able to get financial assistance through OSAP for this current school year and establish better boundaries with my family with the help of counselling.
I have taken proactive steps to address my challenges and improve my situation. I sought help from a counsellor at Student Wellness Services who connected me with several resources including QSAS in March 2023 to establish an accommodation plan for my academic needs. I am consulting specialists to adhere to a treatment plan to alleviate and cope with my symptoms, as well as have retaken the courses that I failed last year with a lighter course load and have since achieved better grades this time.
In light of these circumstances and my commitment to academic success, I kindly request that the Faculty consider late dropping my course marks for the Winter 2023 term. Your understanding and support in this matter would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you for taking the time to review my petition. I am hopeful for a positive resolution that acknowledges the challenges I have faced and the progress I am making towards a brighter academic future.
Sincerely,
Izza Raza