Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: To the Associate Dean,

I am writing to respectfully request a late drop for MUSC 152 (Fall 2024), CWRI 272 (Fall 2024), and PSYC 221 (Winter 2025). I understand that the official drop deadline has passed; however, I experienced significant and ongoing extenuating circumstances that impacted my academic performance and prevented me from seeking timely relief.

Beginning in early Fall 2024, I began struggling with increasingly severe mental and physical health challenges, including rigid food restriction that led to chronic fatigue, cognitive fog, and difficulty focusing. These symptoms severely worsened my pre-existing OCD, for which I am registered with Queen’s Student Accessibility Services (QSAS). I found myself unable to maintain energy levels, meet deadlines, or retain information, especially in courses with heavier creative, written, or memorization-based demands.

Despite my efforts to manage both my health and academics, I became overwhelmed and began falling behind. While I was able to succeed in some courses, these three became particularly unmanageable as the semester progressed. My health issues also led to social withdrawal and avoidance, making it harder to ask for support when I needed it most.

Recently, I’ve begun taking steps toward addressing these challenges. For a long time, I was in denial about the academic impact of not eating for days at a time, and seeking help felt like losing control. However, I have since started attending sessions with a Student Wellness Services therapist and have reconnected with my previous therapist for OCD. I am becoming more aware of how these issues have affected me and am committed to building a more stable and supported academic routine going forward.

Granting this petition would allow me to preserve my academic standing for plan selection and continue making progress toward my degree without the long-term consequences of a particularly difficult year. I am committed to retaking any necessary credits and engaging fully with the supports now in place.

Thank you very much for your time and consideration. I sincerely appreciate your understanding.

Sincerely,
Jaiden Donelle
20411935