Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: 1, October 2016

To whom it may Concern:

I am writing to address my request to appeal the add date for the fall term of 2016. I am in the first semester of my final year of my BAH. As an English major, I am provided with a large pool of classes to choose from that cover centuries worth of English Literature. It was my plan at the beginning of the year to take three courses in my discipline in the first semester, and two classes in the second semester to satisfy the five English course requirements in the four hundred-level. This, along with various electives would permit me to graduate in spring of 2017.

Upon arriving in Kingston in September, conflict ensued within my living arrangements that eventually made their way into the classroom. There were several individuals in my small seminar-styled classes who were made aware of the conflict and this made for an uncomfortable classroom setting. The particular stance that some of my classmates largely hold is biased against me. I quickly found it increasingly difficult to participate and focus in my classes as the pressure from the presence of said individuals overwhelmed me. I was unable to participate to the extent that I had hoped, and in the process I have already lost significant participation marks within the first few weeks. I now feel completely uncomfortable in one of my classes specifically, and feel immense stress immediately when entering the classroom. Further, since I do not for see a change in environment, I do not believe that I will ever feel comfortable to participate fully in this class, contributing of a loss of 30 of my final grade.

This specific class that I am looking to switch out of, is one of the required options between the 405 and 459 in English Language and Literature. The class that I am appealing to add to my schedule also falls within this section (421) and would satisfy this requirement in order for me to graduate next spring. I have attempted to find alternative methods for switching my classes. Last week I was declined my request to write the fourth-year essay option to make up for the class. Thus, switching into this class is the last option, which would allow for me to graduate on time. I have spoken in depth to a professor in the English Department concerning alternative methods, however this is the only option that has been found.

The past two weeks have been filled with problem shooting and I missed the deadline to add classes while I was waiting to hear back about the fourth year essay option. It is my hope that the Associate Dean will allow for me to add this class to my schedule such that I may be granted the opportunity to participate fully and effectively in my classes without the feeling of intimidation, judgment, and fear stemming from my classmates.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,
Maya Wohlfahrt