Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Petition Letter for Late Drop Courses

Hi, my name is Zuxuan Song, my student number is 20326393. I am petitioning to drop three courses from the previous 2022/2023 fall/winter term. The courses are PSYC 100 (2022/2023 fall/winter term), MATH 121 (2022/2023 fall/winter term), and PHIL 157 (2022/2023 winter term). I will explain how my extenuating circumstances impacted my academic functioning at that time. And I will attach my medical documents from that time.

I am an international student. Last year, in September, I was supposed to start my freshman year on campus, but I did not get my study permit at that time. I did not know when I could get my study permit, so I changed my classes to online. As the selection of courses offered online is limited, some courses I took are not for my program for next year. During the time I was studying online, I started having sleep problems and I found myself unable to concentrate on my studies. I was diagnosed with ADHD in the local hospital in November 2022. In December 2022, my condition became more serious, and I was diagnosed with depression in January 2023. I started taking antidepressants. During January and April 2023, I was unable to do any work, such as attending classes, doing homework, and checking my emails.

I started experiencing no more depressive symptoms at the end of July 2023 and received my study permit in early August 2023. I returned to campus in September 2023 and am taking first-year courses. Regarding my ADHD, I have registered with QSAS (Queen’s Student Accessibility Services), sought help from the school's SWS (Student Wellness Services) and am actively looking for a doctor. I am also communicating with my student academic adviser about my study plan. After returning to campus, I could also meet the friends I took classes with. I got more help. Since I could only take online courses last school year, I did not have much choice. When I returned to campus this year, I did not retake the same courses as the previous school year. I need to drop these courses so it will not affect me going into the next year and getting into a major.