Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: I am appealing to be able to drop GPHY 101. Last semester, I did fine and therefore decided to take 6 courses this semester. Throughout the semester, I have struggled to complete work on time and complete readings with GPHY 101 in specific because of the length of the modules, and the very specific questions asked on course Quiz's which make speed reading an ineffective tactic. GPHY 101 was enjoyable and doable with adequate time and focus. However, especially after the third week, I fell extremely behind and feel as though I cannot catch up. I have not been able to complete the amount of work I'm accustomed (first term) to because of A. My parent's divorce, B. The health of my grandmother (dying), and C. The stress, anxiety, and other unpleasant consequences of A and B occurring simultaneously with Covid-19, which I was not dealing with well even beforehand. All of these situations started around the start of first term, with the situation getting worse as the semester has continued. My resident Don oftentimes had to calm me down or speak to me regarding crying fits or anxiety. I have sought help with the University to help remedy the situation; using the Queen's Mental Health Appointment service-- which helped, but only in the short-term, as booking an appointment was sometimes difficult as the line was shared with physical health concerns-- same-day appointments also meant I had to wake up early if I was to have a guaranteed appointment that day. Additionally, I had to pull out of residence following Chown Floor 3's lockdown, where I had to spend a couple days in isolation which only exacerbated my poor mental situation. Everything considered, being able to drop GPHY 101 would allow me to focus on my other 5 courses, which I believe I can pass and earn credits in.