Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Alvira Tazmim
Student ID: 20064720
Email: 16at62@queensu.ca
Phone: 6475295061
Address: 64 William Street, Kingston, ON K7L2C4
Dear Associate Dean (Academic),
I am appealing to late drop ??PSYC 360: The Psychology of Sleep? (Winter, 2022). The teaching team was informed of my decision this year on March 22.
The extenuating circumstance that warranted this appeal revolved around my housing situation which affected my academic performance since March 22nd. On this day, our landlord informed my housemates and I that the new co-signing student on our apartment??s lease renewal agreement, opted out a month prior to the start date (May 1, 2022). The lack of a compatible new housemate this late in the term forced us to find new living arrangements by May 1st. This became incredibly stressful for me since I was in a very sudden rush to find affordable Kingston housing that is also accommodating to my mental health triggers. Furthermore, coordinating packing around my part-time job and school work worsened symptoms of fatigue due to my recent antidepressant medication changes. This decreased my ability to focus and sleep effectively, causing sleep deprivation patterns during that month.As a result, I struggled to concentrate on assigned readings, retain lecture content and manage time to complete final group assignments effectively.
Upon discussing the situation with my therapist that same day, I informed my assignment group member and the teaching team of my inability to complete the remainder of PSYC 360. Since then, I??ve continued receiving mental health treatment from Dr. Farah Nanji through Psychology Kingston. I??ve also been prescribed new mental health medications by Dr. Edward Weiss through Student Wellness Services. Their ongoing support helped cause significant improvements in my overall health and allowed for a near smooth transition into my new living arrangement. Once fully settled, I reached out to the ASUS Appeals Resource Center for help in submitting this appeal.
Following my previously granted academic appeal (Fall, 2021), I reflected on the required time commitment and progress in each enrolled course prior to the winter term drop deadline (January 21, 2022). After speaking with my QSAS Advisor, I felt very confident about managing a healthy work-life balance while committing 12 hours weekly to a reduced course load (3.0 credits). This led me to drop BIOL 212, PSYC 333, and PSYC 370 by January 21. My strong interest in the course topic, alongside a thorough understanding of the content thus far encouraged continued enrollment in PSYC 360. However, stressors beyond my control due to unforeseen housing issues this term prevented completion of my academic responsibilities.
For a successful return to my academics, I plan to enroll in another psychology lab course available next fall to fulfill my degree requirements. To ensure strong performance in future courses, I plan on reducing my course load to 3.0 credits per term and hiring tutors for extra academic support. I believe this would allow me to maintain a healthier work-life balance while still in school. To ensure my wellbeing, I plan to continue regularly seeing Dr. Nanji and Dr. Weiss long term. I hope that my current weekly routine of physical strength training, nutrition informed meal prep, and sufficient sleep per night will further improve my distress tolerance during future stressful events. I believe that these positive lifestyle changes coupled with the support from medical professionals, tutors and Student Academic Success Services will ensure successful completion of my academic responsibilities at Queen??s.
As supporting documentation, I am submitting the ?Off-Campus Physicians Note?? completed by my Psychologist Dr. Farah Nanji (C.Psych) with my consent. I appreciate all the time taken in consideration of my appeal request and I look forward to your response.
Sincerely, Alvira Tazmim