Petition Letter
May 27, 2025
Drew Garnier
Student number: 20471278
RE: Late Drop of Math 121, late drop of ASTR 101 and CR standing for CHEM 112
To Whom It May Concern:
I am contacting you to request a late drop of Math 121 and ASTR 101 and a CR standing for CHEM 112.
I have been struggling with anxiety for most of the school year. This impacted my ability to write assessments as I would often have panic attacks before and during exams/quizzes. My anxiety increased from the fall to winter term, which led me to taking bathroom breaks during assessments to try and compose myself. I found any preparation I did for an exam, was not helpful as no matter how much I studied, I would often forget the material. My reaction before and during exams got worse as the year progressed.
The struggles I faced caused me to perform poorly throughout the year. For MATH 121, I attended all tutorials to help me understand the content. I found them helpful. My anxiety for this course increased once the TA’s went on strike which also impacted the format of the final exam (less short answer problems where I could show my work to more multiple choice). These changes caused me to have a panic attack during the exam where I had to leave the exam hall to try and gather myself.
For CHEM 112, I also attended the tutorials as they helped me understand the material. Again, I felt very nervous going into the final exam knowing I did not have the TA support leading into the final. During the exam, I had to take a bathroom break to again try and gather myself.
Finaly for ASTR 101, the TA strike had a big impact on the format of the final exam. This exam was changed to have more multiple choice which I have found that I really struggle with.
It is important to note that throughout the year, I used TA’s and attended most tutorial sessions. I tried to attend most classes for all courses (except when I was ill). I used on-line recordings when they were available. I obtained a tutor for MATH 121 and accessed a peer mentor through Student Academic Success Services.
Attached to this appeal, you will find a letter from a registered psychotherapist who I started seeing as of May 2025. This letter supports the struggles I have faced with anxiety and the impact it would have on my concentration and ability to perform during exams. In addition, I am currently completing psychoeducational assessment overseen by Dr. Susan Buchanan, clinical psychologist, to determine learning strategies and if I need academic accommodations while in university. I have started the process which should be completed by the end of June.
I am dedicated to improving my academics by getting the support I need. I appreciate your consideration.
Best regards,
Drew Garnier
Drew Garnier
Student number: 20471278
RE: Late Drop of Math 121, late drop of ASTR 101 and CR standing for CHEM 112
To Whom It May Concern:
I am contacting you to request a late drop of Math 121 and ASTR 101 and a CR standing for CHEM 112.
I have been struggling with anxiety for most of the school year. This impacted my ability to write assessments as I would often have panic attacks before and during exams/quizzes. My anxiety increased from the fall to winter term, which led me to taking bathroom breaks during assessments to try and compose myself. I found any preparation I did for an exam, was not helpful as no matter how much I studied, I would often forget the material. My reaction before and during exams got worse as the year progressed.
The struggles I faced caused me to perform poorly throughout the year. For MATH 121, I attended all tutorials to help me understand the content. I found them helpful. My anxiety for this course increased once the TA’s went on strike which also impacted the format of the final exam (less short answer problems where I could show my work to more multiple choice). These changes caused me to have a panic attack during the exam where I had to leave the exam hall to try and gather myself.
For CHEM 112, I also attended the tutorials as they helped me understand the material. Again, I felt very nervous going into the final exam knowing I did not have the TA support leading into the final. During the exam, I had to take a bathroom break to again try and gather myself.
Finaly for ASTR 101, the TA strike had a big impact on the format of the final exam. This exam was changed to have more multiple choice which I have found that I really struggle with.
It is important to note that throughout the year, I used TA’s and attended most tutorial sessions. I tried to attend most classes for all courses (except when I was ill). I used on-line recordings when they were available. I obtained a tutor for MATH 121 and accessed a peer mentor through Student Academic Success Services.
Attached to this appeal, you will find a letter from a registered psychotherapist who I started seeing as of May 2025. This letter supports the struggles I have faced with anxiety and the impact it would have on my concentration and ability to perform during exams. In addition, I am currently completing psychoeducational assessment overseen by Dr. Susan Buchanan, clinical psychologist, to determine learning strategies and if I need academic accommodations while in university. I have started the process which should be completed by the end of June.
I am dedicated to improving my academics by getting the support I need. I appreciate your consideration.
Best regards,
Drew Garnier