Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: June 16, 2016

Dear Associate Dean (Studies),

I am appealing to drop ASTR 101, instructed online by Professor David Hanes, which is a three-unit course in the summer term of 2016.

My name is Hayley MacVicar and I just completed second year at Queen's in the kinesiology program. In the winter semester of 2016, I took a reduced course load as I was unsatisfied with my academic standing after the fall semester, and I believed taking four courses would aid the situation. Although this wasn't necessarily the case due to confounding variables; I struggled to manage my depression during the semester, which subsequently affected my grades. I have since sought out routine cognitive behavioural therapy and will continue to engage in regular sessions throughout the course of the summer as well as into the academic year.

Despite my recent challenges, I enrolled in ASTR 101 to compensate for my three-unit deficit following the winter semester, and potentially improve my GPA. However, it has been challenging to complete the required course work and assignments in conjunction with working full-time. The assignments require frequent daily observations throughout the course for assignments, which I have been struggling to accomplish while working.

I have realized that I won't have enough time to complete the course work associated with ASTR 101 to the best of my ability with my schedule. Unfortunately, by the time I realized that completing the course work would be unrealistic, the course drop deadline had already passed. I realize I could have prevented this appeal by thoroughly verifying the course requirements prior to the course drop deadline, however, I thought I could handle the situation.

I would definitely be interested in retaking ASTR 101 at a later date, as the subject matter is appealing to me despite my inability to complete the course during this summer semester. When I have the required time and resources I hope to complete the course, or a similar course, to my greatest ability.