Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Associate Dean (Studies),

I am appealing to drop PSYC100B (Winter Term) or should that not be allowed, the entirety of the PSYC100 course (both Fall and Winter terms).

In the second term starting in mid-February, I began to experience worsening pain which was out of my control, and which resulted in being admitted to the Kingston General Hospital Emergency Room on March 3rd. They were unable to immediately determine the cause of the severe pain I was experiencing by this time, and I was released from their care without being given a definitive answer as to what was wrong. I made an appointment with the Student Health, Counselling and Disability Services (HCDS) for a few days later. After this doctor was unable to determine the cause of my illness, I was instructed by this doctor to make an appointment at KMI X-Ray and Ultrasound. I was eventually able to get an appointment on March 16th and receive an Ultrasound, and returned to HCDS. It was eventually determined that reoccurring kidney stones were the cause of my pain throughout the entirety of the day. I was prescribed medication from a doctor at the HCDS to help with my condition.
Throughout the second half of February and almost the entirety of March I was experiencing moments of the worst pain of my life. This was consuming much of my time and energy and had not only a clear physical impact on me but also a psychological one. Until this point I had not experienced dropping a course before and as a first year student did not have previous knowledge of the deadlines for dropping a course. I was confused and distracted due to the pain I had begun to experience and was confined to my bed, and sleeping poorly at night. Due to this I was unaware that the deadline for dropping a course without academic penalty had past (February 27th). On the 28th I became aware, and made an appointment with my Professor to discuss my options. I spoke with her on March 5th and explained that I had been undergoing pain and at that time I was not sure of the cause. I opted to re-take the course online in the summer to replace my current grade, when this pain would hopefully have gone away and I would be able to dedicate more time and energy to it. It is due to this decision that I have not appealed dropping the course sooner. However, after discussing the decision with my family it was determined that taking the course online was not a viable option for us financially. As such I will have to wait until next year to take PSYC100 again, however the result is that as of now I have a failing grade, and a much lowered GPA going into my second year because of this.
Had I not been distracted by my illness preceding the deadline, or if I was not in university for the first time and had greater knowledge of the winter term deadline I¿¿m certain I would have dropped the course on time. Further, had taking the online summer course been an option, I would not have received a failing grade and a lowered GPA going into my second year. However, circumstances be as they may, I am requesting to drop the course, rather than have it appear as a failing grade. At the moment, it is lowering my GPA enough that I will be unable to participate in Frosh Week as a Gael and with other groups.
I was unprepared for the time commitment this course would involve in second semester, but when taking the course next year, I will prioritize my time management and organization so there is no doubt I will be able to put in the time needed to succeed. I am planning to meet with academic counsellors each term to discuss my improvement and this time I will not hesitate to contact a tutor should I require additional help in a subject.
I hope the information provided including the documents from Kingston General Hospital, Queen¿¿s Health, Counselling and Disability Services and KMI X-ray and Ultrasound provides adequate information on the legitimacy of my illness. I truly believe I can succeed in this course next year, now that I really understand the commitment it requires, and will not be burdened by my illness. I would really like to participate next year in a group, club or other organization, but likely would not be able to with the GPA that includes the grade from my PSYC100 course. I hope you will accept my appeal and allow me to enter my second year without the shadow of my winter term illness.

Thank you in advance for your time and consideration, and I would be happy to further discuss with you my situation at any time,

Madeline Grolman
10108102





Supporting Documentation:
Patient Record from Kingston General Hospital
Patient Record from Health Counselling and Disability Services
Patient Record from KMI X-Ray and Ultrasound