Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Associate Dean Dr. Stephenson,

My name is Olivia Dickson, and I am in my second year at Queen’s University. I am writing regarding a class I failed in my first year (last year's second semester, HLTH 102). I truly enjoyed this class; I found it intriguing, and I had taken a similar one the previous semester. About halfway through the first semester, I started to experience severe symptoms of anxiety. I was feeling depressed, tired and unable to motivate myself throughout the year. I have been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder as well as a neurological sleeping disorder called idiopathic hypersomnolence. The sleep disorder diagnosis was given to me this past summer although I had been experiencing symptoms for much longer. It is such a relief to finally have this diagnosis and be able to treat it. I have also started an anxiety medication that has been working great for me. I have applied and been approved for accommodations regarding these two issues. My overall well-being this year compared to the last school year is tremendously better. Unfortunately, I am dealing with the consequences of my previous academic year and I am on academic probation. I’m working extremely hard to increase my GPA to achieve my goal of majoring in Political Studies. I tried to retake the failed class but it was full and would not allow me to enroll.

I would like to submit a petition to drop this class due to the untreated extenuating circumstances I experienced last year. This would lift a weight off my shoulders and would be beneficial for my future academic career and Queen’s.

Sincerely,

Olivia Dickson