Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: I am appealing to drop ECON 212 (Fall, 2019). Although this course has served me a multitude of important learning skills regarding economics, it has come to my concern that my mental health towards midterms affected my grades very poorly. Around the end of October, a very unfortunate event happened concerning someone close to me. As I was already very anxious and stressed from midterms, this event increased my worries and intensified the previous emotions I was feeling. I did not want to admit to myself that the event happened and kept trying to put the thought out of my head but I was constantly consumed with sadness. It was near to impossible for me to go to class or get out of bed. My sleeping schedule was all over the place and I had also lost an obscene amount of weight during this period. Speaking out about the way I was feeling scared me because I did not want to admit what happened to be true; not to anyone or myself. As well, I did not receive my midterm mark before the November 1st deadline and was nervous to drop the course but be successful on the midterm. I wrote my midterm two days after the day my classmates wrote it due to my extenuating circumstances which was on November 31st. Before my midterm, 2 accounted for my overall grade in ECON 212 illustrating that I never really knew where I was sitting in the course as there was still 98 left of assessment. Regarding my other courses this term, I did not have heavy assignments during this time period. I handed in my assignments in other courses later than the given due dates as a result of my inconveniences. However, many other professors were very accommodating towards me during this time period and my grades in those classes exemplify my hard work through the hard times I endured. Another incident happened with Professor Stuart when I was travelling from home to Kingston to complete a test in his class and my Mega bus was delayed six hours. Upon arrival to Kingston, I had missed the test from late arrival and I was told I could not write it again or make it up. Instead I was told that 'it was okay because I can drop my lowest mark', already having a low mark from the previous test. Overall, my mental health at the time of ECON 212 had rippling effects on my academic performance and self-awareness. This is extremely concerning to my since I do not want this to interfere with my future opportunities, and set me at a disadvantage. I would be very appreciative if this mark was removed from my transcript as I know, can, and will be successful in the course once retaken. I hope to take the course in the Winter of 2020, as I've taken the time during this winter break to reflect on what happened to me and will be taking all the precautions necessary to have a successful and self-aware Winter semester. On January 2nd when the Wellness Centre opens again I will book an appointment to check in upon my arrival back to Queen's for the winter term. I will be visiting the Student Wellness Services Counselling to ensure that I deal with my issues in a healthy and alert manner during the following school term. During this time, I will provide the documentation followed by my check-up and will effectively communicate the steps taken. I understand the importance of communication and of dealing with emotions now that my issues have gotten to the point where they are affecting my grades. I hope that this does not happen again, as I am a student of high ambitions and hope to accomplish my degree successfully. Therefore, I have familiarized myself with the Counselling Services at Queen's and will use them to my advantage. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Magdalena Ganame