Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Rohini Wagh
Student ID: 20362470

To:
Associate Dean (Academic)
Faculty of Arts and Science
Queen’s University

Subject: Petition to Drop Courses After the Last Official Date for Dropping Classes

I am writing to formally petition to drop the following courses after the last official date for dropping classes:

Winter 2024:

1. PHYS 239 (Electromagnetism),
2. STAT 263 (Introduction to Statistics),
3. PHYS 212 (Vibrations and Waves),
4. PHYS 250 (Foundations of Experimental Physics),
5. CISC 124 (Introduction to Computer Science II)

Due to extenuating circumstances related to my mental health, specifically suffering from clinical depression, I was unable to drop these courses by the Week 8 deadline. I kindly request the Faculty to consider my petition and grant me permission to drop these courses with a DR notation on my transcript.

Over the past academic year, I was diagnosed with clinical depression, which significantly impacted my ability to perform academically. This condition was triggered in Fall 2023 when I failed two courses for the first time in my academic career. The experience of failure caused severe emotional distress, including persistent feelings of inadequacy, anxiety, and sadness.

- Fall 2023: The initial failure of two courses during this term triggered my clinical depression. The psychological toll caused a decline in my concentration, motivation, and ability to manage my coursework effectively.

- Winter Break 2024: Upon learning of my Fall 2023 results, I experienced shock and heightened anxiety, which made it difficult to communicate my struggles to others.

- Winter 2024: My condition worsened, leading to severe anxiety and an inability to function academically. I struggled to complete assignments, attend exams well-prepared, retain information from lectures, and manage the workload for the five courses I had enrolled in, resulting in further academic failures.

The situation was further exacerbated by my choice of courses, which consisted primarily of core Mathematics and Physics subjects known for their rigor. Managing these demanding courses became impossible as my mental health deteriorated.

Coming from a rural and underprivileged background in India, where mental health awareness is minimal, I was unfamiliar with how to seek support or resources. The stigma around mental health and my own fear of being judged delayed my ability to open up and address my condition. By the time I reached out to Queen’s Student Wellness Services and consulted my academic advisor, Ms. Daralyn Auld, it was too late.

I am determined to ensure that this situation does not define my academic journey or future potential. With the support of my therapist, Ms. Arunima Khanna, and my academic advisor, I have developed a structured plan to improve my mental health and academic performance. My plan includes:

- Continuing regular therapy sessions to address my mental health challenges.
- Meeting with my academic advisor biweekly or monthly to provide updates on my progress.
- Developing a thorough plan and discussing future course selections with my academic advisor to ensure a manageable workload.
- Utilizing academic support services, such as Student Academic Success Services (SASS), to improve my study habits and time management.

I deeply value my education and scholarship. Coming from a rural area in India, where young women my age are often expected to marry rather than pursue higher education, this opportunity is incredibly meaningful to me. I am committed to overcoming these challenges and successfully completing my degree.

I have included documentation from my therapist, Ms. Arunima Khanna, to substantiate the extenuating circumstances described above, including the timeline, severity, and impact of my condition.

What happened to me during the Winter 2024 term should not define my entire academic trajectory. Thank you for considering my petition. I sincerely hope you understand the challenges I have faced and grant me the opportunity to drop these courses. This would allow me the chance to recover and realign my academic pathway.

Sincerely,
Rohini Wagh