Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: To the Associate Dean (Studies),

I am appealing to drop FILM 340 (Winter, 2015). Throughout the Winter 2015 semester, I have struggled with psychological stress that consumed my time and effort, subsequently affecting my academic performance. Prior to the February 27th deadline, I dropped two of my five courses after careful consideration in an attempt to negate my anxiety. While the lightened course load offered more time to focus on my required courses, I continued to struggle.

For the first five weeks of FILM 340, I maintained B levels on my assignments and participated regularly in online peer-reviews. From week six to week twelve (February and March) my mental health suffered due to personal and external circumstances and my grades followed suit. During this time (February 6th-March 16th), I was corresponding with my other professors about accommodation of my situation in their courses. On March 4th, I failed to submit an assignment for FILM 340 resulting in my first failed grade. Since then, I have struggled to regain good academic standing. On April 1st, I completed the final Self-Assessment for FILM 340, taking care to write thoughtful and concise responses. Due to last minute technical difficulties, I was unable to meet the strict 8:00PM deadline, but immediately emailed the professor explaining the issue and attached my Self-Assessment. I received a reply the following morning that stated to be fair to all, as per policy on the course outline, only completed assignments successfully submitted via moodle prior to the cutoff are assessed for course credit. While I accept responsibility for not following policy, this final failure is a contributing factor of my decision to appeal. Please note that it is not my intention to blame the professor for my academic downfall; she is a great teacher and, under different circumstances, I would have really enjoyed her class.

If my appeal is granted and I am able to successfully drop FILM 340, I will be taking 33.0 units next year in order to achieve my BAH. I have already spoken to the Department Heads of both Film and Drama to ensure that this will not impede my graduation track. Though I would be enrolled in four to five courses per semester, which is heavier than my current course load, I would like to make the point that I maintained superb grades during Fall 2014 while also participating in numerous extra-curriculars. I currently have an appointment with Counselling Services before I go home and, to ensure good mental health next year, will be scheduling regular meetings upon my return to Queen's. I will also be taking necessary steps to maintain good mental health throughout the summer (i.e. seeking help from a personal counsellor back home).

Thank you for taking the time to consider my appeal.

Sincerely,

Madison Horton