Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: To Whom It May Concern,

I am reaching out to request a late course drop for FILM 260, Digital Media Theory and Practice, and to provide an in-depth account of the series of challenging personal events that have heavily influenced my academic trajectory this term.

September 2021 heralded an unforeseen tempest in my life. My stepfather, Pat, was diagnosed with glioblastoma. Over the ensuing nine months, both my mother and I were suddenly thrust into the roles of caregivers, shouldering not only the emotional turmoil of watching a loved one battle such a formidable illness but also the practical challenges it entailed. Beyond his health, Pat owned and ran a business that, due to his sickness, abruptly became our responsibility. The task of managing it while simultaneously navigating my academic responsibilities was akin to walking a tightrope.

Following Pat's passing on April 18th, 2022, the winter semester of 2023 beckoned my return to in-person classes at Queens. Setting foot on campus, I was consistently reminded of the void Pat left behind. Mid-semester, yet another curveball was thrown my way. My grandmother, my immediate neighbor for nearly two decades and an anchor in my life, received a breast cancer diagnosis. This double onslaught of emotional distress weighed me down significantly, but with sheer resilience, I managed to see the semester through.

In the aftermath of Pat's passing, my emotional equilibrium was severely disrupted. By July or August of 2022, it became apparent that my coping mechanisms were insufficient. Recognizing the gravity of my emotional state, I sought professional guidance and began attending weekly therapy sessions. These sessions became a crucial avenue for me to navigate the multifaceted challenges of grief, as well as my pre-existing anxiety and depression disorders. My therapist, who has been witness to the ebb and flow of my emotional journey, is more than willing to provide a detailed letter that validates and underscores the challenges I've faced.

With an earnest desire to transition into the working world sooner and alleviate our mounting financial challenges, I enrolled in three accelerated courses this summer term. My initial enthusiasm blinded me to the potential strain this decision would exact. FILM 260, a course I had eagerly anticipated, suffered the most. My genuine interest in the subject and respect for the professor's teaching methods notwithstanding, I fell behind, overwhelmed by the cumulative demands of my course load.

As if these academic pressures weren't enough, the third week of the term brought with it another crushing blow. My mother and I were blindsided by a lawsuit, distressingly, from someone who was once very close to our family. This lawsuit, related to Pat's final months, not only reopened painful memories but also further strained my emotional and mental well-being, leading to a decline in my academic performance.

I share this not to seek pity but to paint an accurate picture of the monumental challenges I've encountered. These aren't mere distractions; they've been substantial, life-altering events that have directly impeded my ability to excel academically. I humbly request your understanding and favorable consideration for a late drop for FILM 260. I remain committed to my education and, given a more conducive environment, am confident in my ability to excel.

Thank you for taking the time to understand my circumstances. I await your decision with hope.

Sincerely,
Christopher Jacobson
20094881
17crtd@queensu.ca