Petition Letter
Dear Members of the Arts & Science Petitions Committee,
I am writing to respectfully request a waiver of the September 22 petition deadline, which would allow me to submit a subsequent petition to add Fall 2025 courses. I understand this process is reserved for exceptional cases, and I wish to clearly explain the extenuating medical circumstances that made it impossible for me to meet both the add/drop and petition deadlines, as well as the steps I took to act as soon as I was able.
During the first week of school(early to mid September), I became ill with a severe bacterial sinus infection that lasted through and beyond the add/drop period. The infection caused constant facial pain and pressure that left me in a continuous state of discomfort, along with headaches and fatigue that made it extremely difficult to concentrate or stay organized. Despite my best efforts, I could not focus on my academic or administrative responsibilities. I sought medical attention and was prescribed antibiotics, but even after completing the full course, I needed additional time to recover fully and regain mental clarity.
During this time, I had been monitoring the September 15 add/drop deadline, but lost sight of it when my illness took a turn. I was unaware that there was a separate, short petition period followed immediately afterward. I was also on the waitlist for HLTH 200, moving steadily upward, and believed I would soon be placed. I did not know that waitlists would be cleared after the add/drop deadline, and my illness left me unable to track these additional steps.
My symptoms continued into the week of September 22, when the petition window closed. I was still recovering and unaware that I needed to petition in such a limited timeframe. Once I began to feel well enough to focus again, I reached out to Student Services on September 26 to ask for help. However, by the time I received a response explaining the process, the petition window had already closed, and I was informed that these petitions only run on business days. Because this communication occurred just before the weekend, I was unable to act until October 1, when I immediately began preparing this petition.
These events were entirely beyond my control. My illness and recovery directly affected my ability to act within the prescribed timelines, and the short petition window, combined with limited awareness of it and the weekend delay, prevented me from completing the process any earlier. I acted as soon as I understood the steps required and was physically and mentally well enough to do so.
I fully understand that this petition is to request an extension of the original petition deadline, and not to add courses at this stage. If granted, I will promptly submit the late add petition and contact the course instructors for approval. The courses I intend to add, HLTH 200 (Physical Health and Exercise Programming) and HLTH 230 (Basic Human Nutrition), are essential to my academic goals and my longer-term plan to transfer into the Health Studies program.
While I am currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Environmental Studies, these courses are crucial to my intended academic direction, bridging environmental and health perspectives. At present, I am enrolled in only two courses, which places me below full-time status. Restoring full-time enrolment is important to both my academic progress and overall standing, and I am fully prepared to devote the necessary time and effort to catch up and excel.
I will be acquiring medical documentation verifying my illness and treatment. I am not seeking an exception out of convenience, but rather an opportunity to continue my studies after a painful and prolonged illness that prevented timely action. I have taken every step available to address this responsibly and am ready to complete all next steps promptly if this petition is approved.
Thank you very much for your time, understanding, and compassion in considering my request.
Sincerely,
William Vowles
Student #20492011
I am writing to respectfully request a waiver of the September 22 petition deadline, which would allow me to submit a subsequent petition to add Fall 2025 courses. I understand this process is reserved for exceptional cases, and I wish to clearly explain the extenuating medical circumstances that made it impossible for me to meet both the add/drop and petition deadlines, as well as the steps I took to act as soon as I was able.
During the first week of school(early to mid September), I became ill with a severe bacterial sinus infection that lasted through and beyond the add/drop period. The infection caused constant facial pain and pressure that left me in a continuous state of discomfort, along with headaches and fatigue that made it extremely difficult to concentrate or stay organized. Despite my best efforts, I could not focus on my academic or administrative responsibilities. I sought medical attention and was prescribed antibiotics, but even after completing the full course, I needed additional time to recover fully and regain mental clarity.
During this time, I had been monitoring the September 15 add/drop deadline, but lost sight of it when my illness took a turn. I was unaware that there was a separate, short petition period followed immediately afterward. I was also on the waitlist for HLTH 200, moving steadily upward, and believed I would soon be placed. I did not know that waitlists would be cleared after the add/drop deadline, and my illness left me unable to track these additional steps.
My symptoms continued into the week of September 22, when the petition window closed. I was still recovering and unaware that I needed to petition in such a limited timeframe. Once I began to feel well enough to focus again, I reached out to Student Services on September 26 to ask for help. However, by the time I received a response explaining the process, the petition window had already closed, and I was informed that these petitions only run on business days. Because this communication occurred just before the weekend, I was unable to act until October 1, when I immediately began preparing this petition.
These events were entirely beyond my control. My illness and recovery directly affected my ability to act within the prescribed timelines, and the short petition window, combined with limited awareness of it and the weekend delay, prevented me from completing the process any earlier. I acted as soon as I understood the steps required and was physically and mentally well enough to do so.
I fully understand that this petition is to request an extension of the original petition deadline, and not to add courses at this stage. If granted, I will promptly submit the late add petition and contact the course instructors for approval. The courses I intend to add, HLTH 200 (Physical Health and Exercise Programming) and HLTH 230 (Basic Human Nutrition), are essential to my academic goals and my longer-term plan to transfer into the Health Studies program.
While I am currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Environmental Studies, these courses are crucial to my intended academic direction, bridging environmental and health perspectives. At present, I am enrolled in only two courses, which places me below full-time status. Restoring full-time enrolment is important to both my academic progress and overall standing, and I am fully prepared to devote the necessary time and effort to catch up and excel.
I will be acquiring medical documentation verifying my illness and treatment. I am not seeking an exception out of convenience, but rather an opportunity to continue my studies after a painful and prolonged illness that prevented timely action. I have taken every step available to address this responsibly and am ready to complete all next steps promptly if this petition is approved.
Thank you very much for your time, understanding, and compassion in considering my request.
Sincerely,
William Vowles
Student #20492011