Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: To the Associate Dean,

I am petitioning to drop SOCY211, Introduction to Statistics, from my current Winter term.

My mental health has been extremely difficult for me this term. I struggle with depression, anxiety, and OCD, which has made it difficult for me to attend class and finish my schoolwork. I have mental health accommodations in place, which has helped, but not to the degree I've needed in light of my struggles this term. I had difficulties concentrating this term, so I missed tutorials, as well as required quizzes and labs. As my inability to focus was putting me in a position to fail SOCY211, I reached out to my doctor and therapist for help. I then completed an assessment in February which led to a diagnosis of ADHD. In an effort to raise my grades, I began taking medication. I have had to start with a low dose and gradually raise it due to the nature of the medication. Sincerely, I had hoped to have noticed progress by this time in the semester. Unfortunately, this has not been the case, and as a consequence, I missed the cutoff date for dropping this course. I have always taken pride in my work, and I am proud of the grades I have received up until this term at Queen's University. Although I am not doing my best work in the other four classes I am taking this term, I am on track to pass them. However, SOCY211 is a requirement for my Sociology major which added an overwhelming factor of stress whenever I attempted to complete my work. Introduction to Statistics is also a course where attending lectures and tutorials is crucial. As I was unable to do so due to my mental health, I did not understand course concepts. I feel that my grade in this course is a direct result of this extenuating circumstance as it is out of character for myself. I strongly feel that next year I will be able to focus much better as I will be continuing to work with my doctor and therapist throughout the following months to improve my mental state. I am hopeful that SOCY211 will be dropped this term because I am confident that with the assistance of health professionals and my new medication, I will be able to complete this course to my full ability when I retake it.

Thank you.

Sincerely,
Natalie Walker
20281742