Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear the Associate Dean (Studies),

I am appealing to drop CHEM 112, General Chemistry (Fall-Winter 2019), after the academic deadline.

Throughout Fall 2018 and Winter 2019, I have experienced personal, psychological circumstances that impaired my potential as a Queen's student. Several traumatic events took place within the school year that harmed my academic abilities. Specifically, my role as a student within CHEM 112. Although I have struggled with my other courses due to mental health, my grades within General Chemistry have suffered the most. The demands of CHEM 112, compared to my other courses, are far more demanding. As a student struggling with mental health as the result of traumatic events, the weekly in-person labs and tutorials, along with biweekly quizzes, online assignments, and lab reports were not manageable. Due to my extenuating circumstances, I have experienced difficulties in school performance, specifically poor concentration, motivation, work quality, time management skills, and insomnia.

I have provided documentation from my clinical counsellor, Kim Lawrence, that further indicates my personal circumstances.

I have taken it upon myself to seek help outside of Queen's. Earlier this year, I started attending therapy with a clinical counsellor to lessen the impact my poor mental health has had on my life, specifically within university. I intend on continuing treatment with Kim Lawrence throughout my upcoming years at Queens, as I do not want my poor mental health to greatly impact my studies and enjoyment of education. Additionally, I aim to begin new medication to treat my depression and anxiety, before the next academic school year. My mental health is an obstacle that I continuously struggle with, but I am working toward recovery everyday.

Thank you for your consideration,

Hannah Gouveia Bannister