Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: April 11, 2017

Course Appeal Review
Dunning Hall
Queen's University
Kingston ON K7L3N8

Dear the Associate Dean (Studies),

After consulting with the Queen's Outreach Counsellor and Academic Advisor, I am appealing to drop my first-year courses: BIOL 102/103, CHEM 112A/112B, ENGL 100A/100B, MATH 121A/121B, PHYS 117A/117B.

Explanation of Extenuating Circumstances:

Coming to university, I was diagnosed with positional vertigo and vestibular migraines alongside/induced by extreme anxiety.

A mild sickness struck me at the beginning of the first semester which is normal until it evolved into bronchitis, sinusitis, and gastroenteritis. The combination of these led me to be bound to my room and on medication with several side effects, resulting in slight sensations of vertigo. The effect on my academic performance is the connection to the labs, tutorials, and crucial information missed in class. Without having dealt with this before, I was lost in how to recover and make sure to stay on top of my work. After seeking help from the helpful professors, we were able to make a plan to catch up. However, the plan was unable to be completed due to the events in the second semester.

The second semester at Queen's was conflicted with devastating family issues regarding my father, placing me in a severely ill mental state which caused a lack of focus and direction. The increased stress worked to decrease my already low immunity and increased anxiety, which induced severe vertigo. The result of this was a continual repeat of sleepless nights until a fatigue crash. Being distanced from home, I was lost for a solution and had to overcome this by myself. Dedicating my time to recovery served to allow full awareness of my body. After seeking anxiety management from the Queen¿¿s Outreach Counselor and discussing these issues and self-solutions, I was able to overcome this debilitating illness.

The combination of these circumstances led me to fall behind academically. Education is of high value to me and my career goal. Simply squeezing through the first year without being able to place full effort in my courses will not set me up for a successful future. Therefore, allowing a 'refresh' will grant me the opportunity to focus thoroughly on academics placing me in a stable position for the future.



Future Plan:

After dropping the courses, the mutual consensus between the academic advisors, counselor, and I is to extend my university education by a year. Returning to Queens in fall, I will take the same courses, and the following year, apply for a major which will preferably be biochemistry or life science. I will use the knowledge and tools that are available this summer (textbooks and notes) to prepare for the 2017/2018 year. This will ensure that I am continuously learning over the summer and allow for a strong start to the academic year.

To make sure that I am physically ready for the year, I have scheduled appointments for IVs and working alongside a doctor to bring my immune system up to standard. Working with a vertigo specialist to discuss overcoming the symptoms this year and assuring that my vertigo is suppressed, will aid in preparation for the upcoming semester.

When looking back at this year, I view it as a learning and foundation building success. I have discovered how to overcome different illnesses and obstacles placed in my way, understood the stress that comes with falling behind academically and further prevention. I now know the atmosphere around me and how, when, and where to seek help. I have been knocked down to the weakest point this year and being able to take a stand and use it as a learning experience to prevent ever being pushed to that state can be looked at as a positive outcome of this adventure.

The reason why I am motivated and think next year will be a success is that I am eager to redeem myself and achieve a grade that reflects my potential in controllable circumstances. When an obstacle arises, I now have the knowledge to overcome it without jeopardizing my academics.

Thank you in advance for your attention to this request.

Sincerely,

Keyur Bisetty
20029573