Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: To the Associate Dean,

I am petitioning to drop POLS 312 and POLS 422 (Fall 2023) past the drop deadline due to difficulties with managing my disability (ADHD) symptoms, and the way that my life is impacted by them.

I came back to Queen’s to upgrade my BA in Political Science into a BAH after taking some time off school. I thought I was ready to take on 5 courses this semester, but later dropped one of them during the drop period, believing 4 would be manageable. The reason I am appealing to drop these two classes now is that a big part of the course evaluation for both of them includes large final projects. I believed I was going to be able to complete them in time. I have come to realize I took on more work than I was able to deliver, and I was unable to see this at the time the drop period ended.
For these courses, my symptoms have made it hard to focus on the projects themselves, which require a sustained amount of concentration, and I have not been able to manage my time effectively to give them the attention they deserve.

I am currently medicated and receiving treatment for my condition, which includes seeing a therapist at Student Wellness Services. I am also registered with Student Accessibility Services (QSAS). I met with my advisor earlier in the semester to review my accommodations, and I believed that with these supports I could power through all of my coursework, regardless of the severity of my condition.

Regarding my future plan, I have met with my family doctor to make some modifications to my treatment plan. I will be taking a lighter course load next semester. I will also maintain regular meetings with my counselor, and under their recommendation, I have reached out to professionals who specialize in my condition to better come to terms with the impact it has on my life. I am hopeful all these changes will help me develop skills to succeed not only academically, but in all the other areas of my life I have realized are also affected by it.

Thank you for your time and your consideration. Best wishes,

Facundo Vazquez
20024897