Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: April 7th, 2024

Dear Associate Dean (Academic), Dr. Jenn Stephenson,

I am petitioning to drop MUSC 171 24 Social History of Popular Music (Winter 2024). Due to my personal error in failing to hand in final assessments to meet the mandatory deadline and my overall lack of participation in the course, it is necessary that I drop MUSC 171 as I will not meet the required passing grade. This term brought a challenge in navigating my commitments with extracurricular activities and managing my schoolwork. I had underestimated the time commitment of extracurricular activities as I have never before been a student athlete at the University level. After joining a time consuming QueensU extracurricular at the beginning of second semester, I noticed I was not able to manage my classes as I normally have been able to in the past and, as a result, I saw a significant change in my grades and I found it difficult to manage both my team and academic responsibilities.

The Ontario provincial championships were a very demanding time for my sport and knowing this, I completed the assignments well in advance (mid March) with the understanding that evening classes would overlap with my practices and meetings. Embarrassingly, even though they were done I did not submit them on time to meet the due date in early April (a grievous mistake I will not soon forget).

Due to this unique circumstance I will be retaking MUSC 171 at its earliest convenience. When I take this course again, I will attend all required lectures and follow the class syllabus as instructed. I will not have an overwhelming load that could influence my success in the class.

While distraught at the outcome of my situation, I take this as a learning opportunity and hope to use this to become a better student athlete in the future. Some personal adjustments to better myself include setting boundaries between my studies and my sport and communicating in advance with my coaches and professors so that they are aware if I am struggling. I will also prioritise my academic success even though I am passionate about helping my team. This moment is a good reminder that I am no help to my team if I am not successful academically at Queen’s.

Without these missed assignments, I am not able to pass this course and it is at this time that I am wishing to drop the course with the recommendation and support from my MUSC 171 Professor, Mr. Robbie Mackay.

Sincerely,

Eleanor Johnson