Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: To:
Associate Dean (Academic)
Queen??s University
94 University Avenue
Kingston, ON K7L 3N6

I am hereby requesting to drop the following Fall 2021 courses:

Course Name:DEVS280 ?? Global Engagement, Fall 2021
Instructor: Kathryn Fizzell
Course Name:FILM303 ?? Contemporary World Media, Fall 2021
Instructor: Karine Bertrand
Course Name: DEVS361 ?? Project Planning and Advocacy, Fall 2021
Instructor: Scott Rutherford

I was diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder and panic attacks in Summer 2021 which
significantly impacted my overall performance through the remainder of the year. My poor
performance in these courses is due to lack of attendance as I was receiving treatment.
The three courses described herein would have fulfilled the degree requirements for the Global
Development Studies program, and I presumed this course load was manageable at the time.
As my condition worsened, I made the difficult decision to focus my attention on my mental
health and did not enrol in courses for the Winter 2022 semester.

At this time, I am ready to resume my studies at Queen??s University and I will only be pursuing
one (1) course per semester as a part-time student to complete my degree requirements. I am
requesting to drop all three courses from Winter 2021 so that my final GPA at graduation is not
affected by my medical absence and I may exercise the option to pursue further studies in the
future. I have enclosed my degree plan and requirements for your review.

Thank you for attention to my request. I appreciate your discretion concerning this matter. Please
reach out to me if you have any questions or need additional information.

Sincerely,
Vinessa McPherson