Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: I am writing to formally request permission to drop SOCY 363 after the official drop deadline due to extraordinary and extenuating circumstances that have profoundly affected my academic performance this term. As a fourth-year student deeply invested in my education and future, this decision is one I take with great reluctance but is necessary under the circumstances.

At the start of the semester, my life was upended by a serious medical emergency. I suffered a leg injury that developed into necrotizing fasciitis, a dangerous bacterial infection that required immediate and intensive medical treatment. For weeks, I was in and out of the hospital, managing not only the physical pain but also the exhaustion and stress of an illness that disrupted every aspect of my routine. While I fought to stay on top of my studies, the severity of the infection and the constant medical appointments significantly impacted my ability to complete coursework or engage in lectures.

As I was beginning to recover, another unforeseen event compounded my challenges. In mid-October, I fell down a flight of stairs, fracturing my foot in five places. This injury required immediate surgery, and I now face another surgery in six weeks. The physical pain, coupled with the limitations of immobility, has made it difficult to focus on academics. Tasks such as attending in-person lectures, completing assignments, or preparing for exams have become nearly impossible while I recover.

In addition to these physical challenges, I have a longstanding diagnosis of severe social anxiety, a chronic condition for which I have accommodations in place at Queen’s. While I’ve successfully managed my anxiety in the past, the events of this term have significantly exacerbated my symptoms. The added stress of falling behind academically, combined with the physical isolation caused by my injuries, has made it difficult to maintain the progress I’ve worked so hard to achieve.

Despite these circumstances, I have tried to persevere. At the start of the term, I proactively reached out to all my professors to inform them of my situation and request support. While most professors have been understanding and accommodating, I regret to say that the professor for SOCY 363 has been unwilling to work with me. When I explained my challenges and reiterated my accommodations, I was told that there was no way for me to pass the course and that I should consider withdrawing. This response, while practical from the professor’s perspective, was disheartening and left me feeling abandoned during an already difficult time.

The impact of these events on my academic performance has been undeniable. The necrotizing fasciitis alone disrupted my ability to engage with coursework for approximately six to eight weeks, and the ongoing recovery from my foot fracture has extended this period of incapacity. I have fallen behind on assignments and have been unable to attend in-person classes due to both physical limitations and heightened anxiety. These barriers have made it impossible for me to meet the course requirements for SOCY 363, despite my best efforts.

I want to emphasize that I have not taken this situation lightly. I have always been deeply committed to my education and my future. Over the past four years, I have worked hard to overcome personal challenges, including my mental health diagnoses, to maintain strong academic standing. Every step I’ve taken has been with my long-term goals in mind, and I have always approached my studies with dedication and resilience.

However, the challenges of this term are unlike anything I have faced before. I have done everything within my power to navigate these circumstances, including seeking medical care, following recovery protocols, and adhering to the accommodations provided by Queen’s. Despite these efforts, I find myself in a position where I cannot succeed in SOCY 363 without sacrificing my health and jeopardizing my academic standing further.

I am humbly asking for your permission to withdraw from this course after the deadline so I can focus on my recovery and ensure that I can complete my remaining courses successfully. Dropping this course would alleviate the immense pressure I am currently under and allow me to preserve my academic integrity while I heal.

Thank you for taking the time to consider my petition. I am happy to provide any additional documentation you may need to support my request, including medical records, proof of accommodations, or communications with the professor. Please let me know if there is anything else I can do to assist in this process.

I am truly grateful for your understanding and support as I navigate this difficult time, and I hope you will consider my request favorably.

Sincerely,
Sarah Nitert
(20277878)