Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Associate Dean of Academics ;

I am appealing for a Late Drop for the following courses :
FILM 240 (Winter 2023)
ASTR 101 (Winter 2023)

Below is an outline of what has transpired since January 2023 which will explain my reasoning for this request.

1. Start of Winter Semester 2023
2. Throughout January, I was unexpectedly hit by an incredibly powerful and overwhelming depression due to personal matters and was combined with horrendous anxiety. I fought to my wits end to muster my way through the semester, but my efforts were futile. The combination of being on the high end on both the inactive and hyperactive spectrums of ADHD, and anxiety, has been a constant battle since I was 12, (but I wasn’t fully diagnosed until I was 19). When this unexpected depression hit, the second of my life, it was devastating.
3. February 13th was the precise date where I was officially crippled by this depression and was unable to continue my semester. On February 15th I had informed my professors of the occurrence, and they were very understanding. I asked for guidance for my next steps, and they provided coherent advice.
4. I talked with multiple Academic Advisors who were very hopeful and realized how truly dedicated I am to finish my courses. The predominant lovely person whom I conversed with, and structured the procedure was Sam Llall, the Academic Consideration Co-ordinator.
5. Through the faculty at this next step in my journey, for Academic Consideration, I got in contact with my long-time therapist, who concurred and confirmed about my mental struggles. Unfortunately, that document was deemed as invalid after waiting a few weeks, as I had not had an appointment with her in a few months. Therefore, I was forwarded to a Queens mental health professional whom I expressed and explained my case to. During this process, Emily Blacker and Susan Daggit, both from Student Wellness, helped me considerably.
6. After concurrence achieved with the Queens therapist, the form was finally able to be filled out. I received Academic Consideration.
7. This process was severely drawn out due to the initial error with my personal therapist, as well as a problem with the form, which had to be sent in twice, unbeknownst to me, it failed to submit beforehand. Therefore, the form for this Spring semester was submitted on the first of May, on the edge of the Spring and Summer semester, invalidating the entire procedure, or at least nullifying any hard-earned results.
8. After talking with so many staff and crying a lot of tears, I switched my goals to sorting out Academic Consideration for the long term. I talked with a very kind and understanding lady (Ellen Babb-QSAS) who explained to me the procedure for Late Drop of courses, and I jumped on this opportunity, carefully outlining this email. Ellen digitally set into motion and wrote into stone the many different ways to help me in future semesters with studying, test-taking, and general dealings with the load of depression; she gave me tools in order to burden the weight of it if it ever strikes me again, this was all in addition to the Academic Consideration I received. Ellen can concur with this. I also met with Jenna Kring who helped explain the Appeal process.

It means the absolute world for me to continue with my studies online at Queens, as my Fall 2022 semester was so successful, and with the help of your courageous staff, they have put many tools in place for me to succeed with my challenges in coming semesters, until I graduate. I take pride in calling myself a Queens student, and everyone I have talked to in the staff can concur that I am hard working and show passion to be diligent and do everything I can to overcome my mental challenges. I have not and will never give up. This entire process has been mentally draining, sad, and frustrating, with timings and circumstances turning out to be perilously unfortunate. However I stand undeterred and cannot wait to hear back from you with my request to Late Drop my requested courses, so I can start with a fresh slate. These mental and physical tools have been built up by the faculty here, and they stand by my side. You can contact them all if you have any questions or doubts. Here is to a joyful and successful next semester.

I am also attaching a copy of my Mental Health Verification form and a letter from my therapist, Courtney Turnell.

Thank you very much for your consideration of my requests.

Logan Lalonde
Student # 20253073