Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: April 26th, 2018
To the Associate Dean (Studies),

I am appealing to drop PSYC 215 (Winter, 2018) and PSYC 235 (Winter, 2018). On March 2nd my brother attempted suicide, he was put into an induced coma for several days and was in the ICU. It was unknown whether he would survive or not during this time. After he woke up, he stayed in the hospital for about three weeks. I was out of town and missed all my classes and any assignments I had due during this time; I needed to be with my family and support my parents and brothers. Afterward, upon returning to school I was unable to complete any assignments or barely attend my classes because I was suddenly facing extreme anxiety. This past school year has been difficult; I lost my grandpa at the end of fall semester, my brother¿¿s suicide attempt and my boyfriend¿¿s father had open heart surgery on April 10th, 2018 (it was unknown whether or not he would survive it because his condition is rare and high risk). Not only has my brother¿¿s hospitalization and my boyfriend¿¿s father¿¿s surgery been stressful, but it has also taken me away from Kingston frequently and for long periods of time. While I have been to the counselors three times since my brother¿¿s suicide attempt and my anxiety is now under control, there is no way I can make up the time I have missed or begin to learn the content that I was away for. I have thought about how I will be able to complete this school year and move forward with my future. I have decided that in order to be able to complete my other courses, I need to drop PSYC 215 and PSYC 235. I would not be appealing to drop these courses if my brother had not attempted suicide, I was fully prepared to work hard and finish all my courses.
Upon the suggestion of a guidance counselor last year, I was retaking PSYC 215 and PSYC 235 to upgrade my marks but have decided that I want to switch my program, therefore, dropping these courses does not affect my academics. Going forward these extenuating circumstances will not be an issue and I plan to put full effort into my courses next year.

Thank you,
Daniella Hohmann
10196508