Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dr. Jenn Stephenson, Associate Dean (Studies), Queen¿¿s University


Dear, Dr. Stephenson

My, name is Brendan Robson. I am a 4th year student in the Political Studies department, and I am writing this letter to you in order to appeal to drop the course MUSC 104 (Winter 2019) after the course drop date.
I took Music 104 as an elective during my last semester as a Queen¿¿s undergrad as a course of personal interest, unrelated to my major. Roughly half way through the term I found the difficulty of the course material in Music 104 increase very rapidly, however I was determined to continue and earn the credit. During the last weeks of class, I received my grades for the final two term tests in Music 104 and found that I was lagging seriously behind in the course.
Since my third year at Queen¿¿s I have been actively dealing with issues relating to anxiety and depression disorders both with the help of a counsellor and medication prescribed by a physician at Student Wellness Services. In the past these disorders have caused bouts of panic and anxiety which make the completion of course work virtually impossible. In the case of Music 104 this happened once again. During the weeks leading up to the final exam I found myself wracked with strong feelings of anxiety whenever I attempted to prepare for the exam, and as a result I achieved a failing grade in the course.
My mental health has improved since third year, and as a result I was able to achieve passing grades in the other three courses in which I was enrolled this semester. This puts me in a position to graduate at the end of this term, even without the credit for Music 104.
I would like to leave this unfortunate experience behind me. In the future I think I might like to go to graduate school. Not accounting for my failing grade in Music 104 my graduating average stands to be roughly a B+. This is an accomplishment of which I¿¿m proud. There have been times in the past two years when I legitimately though that I may never graduate, that I may not live long enough to get the chance.
Granting my request for this appeal would help me immeasurably in my efforts to go forward from Queen¿¿s proud of what I have accomplished and well equipped to face the challenges ahead. I sincerely hope that you grant my appeal to drop this course.

Kind Regards,
Brendan Robson