Petition Letter
ELIZABETH BLAKSLEE
17egb4@queensu.ca
April 29, 2021
Associate Dean (Academic)
Dunning Hall- Queen's University Faculty of Arts and Science
94 University Ave, Kingston, ON K7L 3N9
Dear Associate Dean (Academic),
I am appealing to drop ENSC 200 (Winter 2021).
I am appealing to drop this class because I had experienced unforeseen personal medical events that have directly affected my academic performance for this past semester. Throughout the semester, I have had overwhelming mental health issues due to the stressful situation that the Covid-19 pandemic has brought on and new medical news and uncertainty that I had received at the end of January of this past semester. From the end of January through to the end of March, I dealt with a series of medical tests. While waiting for the results, this uncertainty caused me to have severe anxiety, which restricted me from focusing on my studies in my classes. I could not concentrate due to anxiety attacks and depression from the unknown and stress that this medical issue caused. To be specific, this was very severe as some days I was unable to leave my bed. Once I received the results, I refocused on my academics; however, I was unsuccessful in finishing the work needed as I was too far behind for this class. Therefore, I am applying for late withdrawal on the grounds that I did not actually take part in the course or attempt a significant amount of the course content as a result of this extenuating circumstance. The steps I took to deal with this anxiety and mental health issues that I was experiencing included talking to a counsellor from the Student Wellness Services. I did not contact the Student Wellness Services until after I had gotten the results from my medical tests back, which was not until the end of March (March 18th, to be exact). I did not drop these courses earlier because I was unfamiliar with dropping policy and dates once the initial add/drop deadline had passed. I also wanted to finish the class but have now accepted that I am unable to do this. I will be able to receive supporting documentation from my professor, who suggested that I submit this appeal.
My plan to succeed in this course is to retake it in the winter term of 2022 or whenever it is offered again. With the medical issues resolved after the two months of constant anxiety and uncertainty from the end of January to the end of March, I will use my full academic potential and skills to learn and be successful in these classes.
Thank you for taking the time to read this appeal and supporting students such as myself through difficult times, especially during the unprecedented times we are in now due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth Blakslee
17egb4@queensu.ca
April 29, 2021
Associate Dean (Academic)
Dunning Hall- Queen's University Faculty of Arts and Science
94 University Ave, Kingston, ON K7L 3N9
Dear Associate Dean (Academic),
I am appealing to drop ENSC 200 (Winter 2021).
I am appealing to drop this class because I had experienced unforeseen personal medical events that have directly affected my academic performance for this past semester. Throughout the semester, I have had overwhelming mental health issues due to the stressful situation that the Covid-19 pandemic has brought on and new medical news and uncertainty that I had received at the end of January of this past semester. From the end of January through to the end of March, I dealt with a series of medical tests. While waiting for the results, this uncertainty caused me to have severe anxiety, which restricted me from focusing on my studies in my classes. I could not concentrate due to anxiety attacks and depression from the unknown and stress that this medical issue caused. To be specific, this was very severe as some days I was unable to leave my bed. Once I received the results, I refocused on my academics; however, I was unsuccessful in finishing the work needed as I was too far behind for this class. Therefore, I am applying for late withdrawal on the grounds that I did not actually take part in the course or attempt a significant amount of the course content as a result of this extenuating circumstance. The steps I took to deal with this anxiety and mental health issues that I was experiencing included talking to a counsellor from the Student Wellness Services. I did not contact the Student Wellness Services until after I had gotten the results from my medical tests back, which was not until the end of March (March 18th, to be exact). I did not drop these courses earlier because I was unfamiliar with dropping policy and dates once the initial add/drop deadline had passed. I also wanted to finish the class but have now accepted that I am unable to do this. I will be able to receive supporting documentation from my professor, who suggested that I submit this appeal.
My plan to succeed in this course is to retake it in the winter term of 2022 or whenever it is offered again. With the medical issues resolved after the two months of constant anxiety and uncertainty from the end of January to the end of March, I will use my full academic potential and skills to learn and be successful in these classes.
Thank you for taking the time to read this appeal and supporting students such as myself through difficult times, especially during the unprecedented times we are in now due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth Blakslee