Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Associate Director of Arts and Science,



I hope this letter finds you well. My name is Alyisha Kelly (20291527). I am entering my fourth year at Queen’s University, majoring in History and minoring in Political Science. I am writing to request permission to drop HLTH 230 (Summer 2024) after the academic deadline. I understand and value the importance of academic performance and would like to provide context for the challenges I faced during this period and the steps I am taking to strengthen my academics.

I enrolled in HLTH 230 during the summer semester with the intention of improving my academic standing. Taking this course would be ideal for feeling confident going into the fall semester and gaining credits. However, a series of personal challenges affected my ability to dedicate the necessary time and focus to this course.

During the prior academic year, I had experienced numerous extenuating circumstances, including the loss of a family member, an unstable and mentally strenuous housing situation, and the adjustment of medications concerning my ADHD and anxiety diagnosis. Due to these disputes, I was placed on academic probation, which restricted my OSAP funding. These challenges set me back and negatively affected my self-esteem and mental health, making me feel extremely isolated and stressed. Ultimately, I believed that taking this course while working full-time would get me back on track academically and financially.

However, my outlook could have been more realistic, ultimately leading to my downfall in completing this course. More specifically, I worked full-time in an intensive outdoor labor position that required ten-hour shifts throughout the summer. When enrolling in this course, I was aware of the physical demands my employment would entail. Yet, I underestimated the exhaustion and the toll it would take on my ability to manage the course load. At the beginning of the semester, I was motivated and worked on the course. Still, the additional anxiety of being placed on academic probation and being restricted from OSAP funding quickly became overwhelming. Midway through the course, I fell behind and contacted the professor to discuss my absence, and he suggested I drop the course if I felt unable to finish it. In hindsight, I should have followed the advice given and mourned not doing it sooner - for this, I sincerely apologize and take complete responsibility for my misjudgment.

I want to assure you that I am taking proactive steps and changes to ensure my success this upcoming academic year. I have reached out and sought guidance in repairing my situation by doing the following:

- I found the right dose of medication by consulting with my family doctor

- I have secured a new living situation that will significantly support both my mental health and academic performance

- More importantly, I have reached out to support systems through Queen’s including:

- Attending a care meeting to discuss plans for the upcoming academic year;

- Connecting with a financial aid officer to aid me with the appeal process for receiving OSAP funding and;

- I am connecting with an academic advisor to talk to throughout the year.

These steps have already substantially improved my overall outlook and mental health, helping me regain the confidence and determination to succeed academically, and they will continue to do so during this academic year.

Given these circumstances, I kindly request that you consider my personal circumstances and permit me to drop HLTH 230 (Summer, 20240 after the academic deadline. I am fully committed to making significant changes and am driven to succeed in the upcoming academic year.

Thank you in advance for your time, understanding, and consideration.


Sincerely,

Alyisha Kelly