Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Since about mid-September, I had a mental health episode that essentially left me unable to complete my responsibilities, both academic and non-academic. I was hit with a wall of depression and anxiety of a magnitude I hadn't experienced since my first year of studies at Queen's, during which I had also been granted Long-Term Academic Consideration and was allowed to drop the courses past their end date. Through the support of my therapist, I have begun taking the steps to get back on track with everything, and for the most part, the professors of the classes I'm enrolled in have been more than helpful in terms of accommodating my request for Long-Term Academic Consideration. However, Prof. Carson told me with honesty that I should instead petition to drop his course, for he doesn't see a way for me to climb out of the hole that I've dug myself. I do appreciate his honesty, and so I will believe him and trust that the only way through this is to drop HIST 403. Furthermore, I had also only added this course at the add/drop deadline mid-semester, as I realized the previous course I had enrolled in was a full-year course, which I didn't need to graduate.

I am very close to graduating, with only 6 credits of 300+ level HIST courses, and I have high aspirations for graduate school; however, if I am unable to drop this course, I fear that a mental health episode beyond my control would derail any plans I have of continuing my education. So I ask that you please allow me to drop HIST 403.

I am aware of the hold placed on my account, and I am currently working with OSAP to get my funds released to the school so that I can drop the course.


Best,
Aidan