Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: June 5, 2015

Dear office of the Associate Dean,

I am appealing to drop CHEM 281 CDS Spring 2015 after the drop date deadline due to unforeseen circumstances. This is my first summer living in Kingston alone, and I have been struggling a lot with mental health issues. The way I have been feeling has affected my ability to work in that I am unable to concentrate and lack motivation, which is very unlike my usual self. I began feeling this way in mid April when my housemates left for the summer. I am finding myself becoming overwhelmed very easily, which contributes to the difficulties I am experiencing accomplishing daily tasks as well as course work. I find it very challenging to work for long periods of time. This is especially difficult with the layout of the CHEM 281 course, as it is extremely accelerated and in order to do work, I must sit alone in a library for many hours and have no interaction with classmates. I thought I could handle these personal difficulties on my own, but recently it has become too much. In order to better my situation, I met with a doctor to discuss these issues, but I have not experienced any improvement. I feel as though the previous assignments and the upcoming exam are not an accurate representation of my abilities in this course.

In order to continue with my studies in the future, I have been talking with my doctor about the various routes of treatment that are available. Furthermore, I have met with an academic advisor and I plan to retake this course during the school year as to not become overwhelmed with the material. In the meantime, I am looking into the possibility of returning home for the rest of the summer, to be with my family and to deal with my personal well-being. I am confident I will be able to demonstrate my usual academic performance if given a second chance.

I hope that my situation will be considered.

Sincerely,
Gabrielle Vincent
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