Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Dean,
I hope this message finds you well.

My name Is Abigail (Abby) Sullivan and I am a 3rd year Global Development Studies Major/History Minor.

I am writing to formally request a late-course drop for DEVS 250 and AG for MUSC 104, two courses I took during the winter semester of my second year. I am aware of the original deadline to drop a course and fully acknowledge the importance of adhering to them. However, I have faced significant personal challenges that have hindered my ability to fully participate and drop these course on time.

During the semester, I experienced a series of serious health complications that required two surgeries several month apart. This unexpected medical issue significantly impacted my ability to focus on my studies and adhere to my course deadlines. In this time, I reached out to student health and wellness services, my professors, and asked for guidance from my QSAS advisor to devise a plan for any outstanding work.

Unfortunately, this plan was shaped by even further circumstances.

In May, I needed to take on a full time paid internship position to support myself financially over the summer. However, before starting this job, I slipped and fell, sustaining a concussion that severely affected my vision. Due to the concussion, I have been undergoing vision therapy for the past few months. Furthermore, my family home flooded during an intense storm this summer, which prompted us to move out while the repairs finish.

While this has been a difficult period, my vision therapy has been effective, reconstructions are underway, and I am now in a much better position to complete my fall studies. However, the effects of this summer have been wide-reaching, and I am looking for support in preserving my academic success.

I love the learning and self-growth that comes with studying at Queens, and I don’t believe that my grade in this class is representative of my abilities as a student. My professor suggested this avenue, and I have agreed to take DEVS 250 again in the Winter semester. Overall, I am so grateful for Dr. Taylor’s and Dr.Burry’s support during this time, and I am committed to my academic success.

Thank you for considering my request. I am available to discuss this matter further and provide any necessary documentation to support my petition. I deeply appreciate your time and understanding.

Sincerely,
Abigail Sullivan
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