Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: To Associate Dean (Academic),

I am petitioning to drop SOCY211 Introduction to Statistics for the (Winter, of 2023).

Sadly, I have been unable to complete this course due to circumstances beyond my control. This semester, my mental health has posed significant obstacles to my academic performance, particularly in this course. Nearing the start of the Winter semester, I'd say this has become a really serious problem. Being diagnosed with depression and social anxiety three years ago resulted in me having to make changes to my everyday life as well as my education not only can this have a negative impact on my performance which includes exams, assignments, and overall well-being associated with my academics, and as a result, I have been unable to earn the grade I desire in this course. I am certain that I will not earn a passing grade in this subject by the end of the academic year. As I have not been able to attend classes, complete work, or submit required assignments, this has become a significant problem for my education and well-being. I have tried really hard but during this extenuating circumstance, I have not been able to attend little to any of the tutorials since I have horrible panic attacks that limit me from even being able to leave my house. There have also been times during this term when I won??t leave my bed for days to weeks. I feel ashamed to have to admit this but honesty in this situation is something that will also allow me to forgive myself for being in this spot and grant me the ability to work towards a better routine and a better lifestyle. I didn't abandon this class earlier because I wanted to see if I could turn things around this semester and work as hard as I can, but unfortunately, my mental health has only gotten worse. I would like to drop this course entirely and repeat it the following term when I return to school for the third year of my degree program. I do have accommodations in place with my QSAS advisor but those accommodations do not cover my ability to participate in and completion of the course content, labs, and quizzes. I have resumed visiting my personal psychotherapist, I am working closely with my loved ones to give me guidance and lead me through this difficult period in my life, and I am also working with my QSAS counsellor to provide me with future alternatives. I would like my future aspirations to reflect my need to improve my mental health and my desire to concentrate on my academics at Queen's University and my future education. As someone who takes pride in my school and my future career as a teacher, I never intended for this to occur. I want to be the greatest student I can be, but my mental impairment sometimes prevents me from doing so, and I cannot disregard what I have learned. I would greatly appreciate your consideration of my request and hope for a smooth adjustment to this procedure.

Thank you,

Sarah Sue Ann Nitert