Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Kim.bellefontaine@queensu.ca

ASC.academic@queensu.ca



Dear Dr. Jill Atkinson,

I am writing this letter to apply for a late drop of PSYC221 and PSYC251 from the summer semester. For my third course, my professor is willing to give me an incomplete so I can still finish the course into the fall. I experienced many extenuating circumstances this summer semester that were not expected. As a brief overview: I am a mature student and I have 5 little boys. I am originally from Ontario, but I am currently living in Newfoundland with minimal family and friend support. I got very ill during my pregnancy which resulted in me being induced and having my baby early. I am still struggling with some health complications, but I am getting much better. Having my baby early, interfered with the timeline I had originally planned on completing the summer semester. It also resulted in more care and appointments for my infant who was a premie. My childcare provider quit which left me with my other 4 children being home. My children were on wait lists but I was unable to secure new childcare. This included two boys with special needs who were home with me and required a lot of my time. My partner also left unexpectedly. All of the circumstances these past several months ended up causing a lot of stress and affected my mental health as a result.

I didn??t drop the courses sooner as I was trying my best to not ??fail? or give up. I was desperately trying to stay on top of the courses and complete them. Ultimately, the added pressure I was putting on myself was making the situation worse and I finally decided it was best to focus on myself and my family and to put my school obligations aside for the time being. I stopped completing the assignments for the courses and I did not complete the final exams. My plan is to re-take the courses in the fall and winter semesters this year as I will be able to focus, start fresh and obtain the marks I know I can achieve. I have found new childcare and my older boys will return to school in September. I am attending counselling through Queen??s and receiving support from Ban Righ. I am in a much better place mentally to begin the fall semester after taking some time to focus on my family and myself.

Please advise whether you require additional information to consider my request for a late drop of the above referenced courses. I look forward to hearing from you.


Ashley Hart
20192303
19ah31@queensu.ca
709-426-0302