Petition Letter
January 20, 2023
Dear Academic Consideration Team,
The purpose of this submission is to request long-term academic consideration to submit ECON 231 and ECON 332 final essays (Fall 2022).
Extenuating circumstances prevented me from submitting the consideration request before term end. My extenuating circumstances, supporting documentation, and academic plan are attached. If accommodations are provided, Professor Keay will accept the essays by end of term. In both courses, I have completed the final exams.
BACKGROUND:
I'm a 4th year student in BAH-Economics. The lack of structure, social isolation, and limited physical activity I had during my online COVID studies in 2nd and 3rd year affected my mental health. In my case, this manifested itself as a severe lack of motivation resulting in poor academic performance. I was notified of academic probation at the end of Winter '22 term. I felt a great deal of pressure this term to succeed.
EXTENUATING CIRCUMSTNCES:
1. Family Crisis: My father was diagnosed with a serious heart condition in the summer and required ongoing treatment. There was considerable weight on my mind due to his health issue. Due to frequent travel home, my academic focus was further compromised.
2. Struggles with Mental Health: The term began well; I attended every lecture and tutorial. A full load of five courses probably wasn't the best idea. Initially, I felt prepared for midterms, however as the term progressed and the evaluation sections increased, I became increasingly stressed. As a result, I was unable to focus and was totally unproductive. The work started to pile up, I fell behind. At this point, it was too late to withdrawal from any course. In an attempt to overcome my academic struggles, I contacted a TA and hired a tutor, however, it had already been too late, and they only reinforced a bleak picture for final exams and term papers. The need to do well academically was greater than ever before, but there were few options. My motivation was low, and I felt mentally blocked.
3. Discounting Supports: Since high school, I have been seeing a psychologist for psychotherapy. The petition letter I submitted in 2021 highlights the issues I face. My treatment has always focused on managing stress and time. There are times when I struggle to be honest with myself (and with him) and do not reach out for help in the belief that it will not help or that it is too late. In the face of overwhelming circumstances, I felt helpless and did nothing. I made the mistake of ignoring my support systems.
The conclusion of final exams left me feeling devastated, which led me to seek help from both my family doctor, Dr. L. Beyers, (December 23, January 6) and Psychologist, Dr. M. Rothman, (January 4). They gave me insights and encouragement that helped me develop a plan I feel is achievable. Supporting letters are attached.
PLAN:
1. Changing Programs: It is my intention to change my academic program from a BAH - Economics to a BA - Economics so I can graduate in Summer '23. This option was discussed with Academic Advising, Daralyn Auld, beginning January 5. All core courses required for a BA-Economics degree has been completed to date. In the coming two terms (Winter '23 and Summer '23), I will work on improving my GPA and completing my elective requirements.
Petition to drop ECON 255, POLS 261 and HIST 243 from Fall '22. Since POLS 261 and HIST 243 won't be offered in Winter '23, the nature of assessment makes them difficult to redo. In my new program, ECON 255 is not a prerequisite. It was my second attempt at the course.
Submit a request for Academic Consideration for ECON 231 and ECON 332 Fall '22. Upon successful submission, Professor Keay has granted me permission to resubmit my final essays by end of term. I will be able to improve my GPA as a result.
ARTH 120 will be retaken in Summer '23 in order to improve my GPA and complete credits for graduation.
2. Lighter Load: For Winter '23, I will only be taking four electives.
3. Support System: My psychologist, Dr. Rothman, has agreed to see me biweekly for the rest of this term to ensure continuous oversight of my well-being. As a result of pre-booked appointments, I am consistently committed to evaluating my mental well-being and managing my stress before it becomes a debilitating problem. As well, I will arrange for an academic tutor to support and assist with research and rewriting two make-up economic essays. Furthermore, I will seek academic support as needed early this semester.
While I take full responsibility for the consequences and results of the last term, I believe that if given the opportunity to follow-through with the plan, I can successfully turn things around and achieve my graduation goal this summer.
I thank you in advance for your consideration,
Alexander von Eppinghoven
Student 20171497
Dear Academic Consideration Team,
The purpose of this submission is to request long-term academic consideration to submit ECON 231 and ECON 332 final essays (Fall 2022).
Extenuating circumstances prevented me from submitting the consideration request before term end. My extenuating circumstances, supporting documentation, and academic plan are attached. If accommodations are provided, Professor Keay will accept the essays by end of term. In both courses, I have completed the final exams.
BACKGROUND:
I'm a 4th year student in BAH-Economics. The lack of structure, social isolation, and limited physical activity I had during my online COVID studies in 2nd and 3rd year affected my mental health. In my case, this manifested itself as a severe lack of motivation resulting in poor academic performance. I was notified of academic probation at the end of Winter '22 term. I felt a great deal of pressure this term to succeed.
EXTENUATING CIRCUMSTNCES:
1. Family Crisis: My father was diagnosed with a serious heart condition in the summer and required ongoing treatment. There was considerable weight on my mind due to his health issue. Due to frequent travel home, my academic focus was further compromised.
2. Struggles with Mental Health: The term began well; I attended every lecture and tutorial. A full load of five courses probably wasn't the best idea. Initially, I felt prepared for midterms, however as the term progressed and the evaluation sections increased, I became increasingly stressed. As a result, I was unable to focus and was totally unproductive. The work started to pile up, I fell behind. At this point, it was too late to withdrawal from any course. In an attempt to overcome my academic struggles, I contacted a TA and hired a tutor, however, it had already been too late, and they only reinforced a bleak picture for final exams and term papers. The need to do well academically was greater than ever before, but there were few options. My motivation was low, and I felt mentally blocked.
3. Discounting Supports: Since high school, I have been seeing a psychologist for psychotherapy. The petition letter I submitted in 2021 highlights the issues I face. My treatment has always focused on managing stress and time. There are times when I struggle to be honest with myself (and with him) and do not reach out for help in the belief that it will not help or that it is too late. In the face of overwhelming circumstances, I felt helpless and did nothing. I made the mistake of ignoring my support systems.
The conclusion of final exams left me feeling devastated, which led me to seek help from both my family doctor, Dr. L. Beyers, (December 23, January 6) and Psychologist, Dr. M. Rothman, (January 4). They gave me insights and encouragement that helped me develop a plan I feel is achievable. Supporting letters are attached.
PLAN:
1. Changing Programs: It is my intention to change my academic program from a BAH - Economics to a BA - Economics so I can graduate in Summer '23. This option was discussed with Academic Advising, Daralyn Auld, beginning January 5. All core courses required for a BA-Economics degree has been completed to date. In the coming two terms (Winter '23 and Summer '23), I will work on improving my GPA and completing my elective requirements.
Petition to drop ECON 255, POLS 261 and HIST 243 from Fall '22. Since POLS 261 and HIST 243 won't be offered in Winter '23, the nature of assessment makes them difficult to redo. In my new program, ECON 255 is not a prerequisite. It was my second attempt at the course.
Submit a request for Academic Consideration for ECON 231 and ECON 332 Fall '22. Upon successful submission, Professor Keay has granted me permission to resubmit my final essays by end of term. I will be able to improve my GPA as a result.
ARTH 120 will be retaken in Summer '23 in order to improve my GPA and complete credits for graduation.
2. Lighter Load: For Winter '23, I will only be taking four electives.
3. Support System: My psychologist, Dr. Rothman, has agreed to see me biweekly for the rest of this term to ensure continuous oversight of my well-being. As a result of pre-booked appointments, I am consistently committed to evaluating my mental well-being and managing my stress before it becomes a debilitating problem. As well, I will arrange for an academic tutor to support and assist with research and rewriting two make-up economic essays. Furthermore, I will seek academic support as needed early this semester.
While I take full responsibility for the consequences and results of the last term, I believe that if given the opportunity to follow-through with the plan, I can successfully turn things around and achieve my graduation goal this summer.
I thank you in advance for your consideration,
Alexander von Eppinghoven
Student 20171497