Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Dr. Jenn Stephenson,

I hope this letter finds you well. My name is Colin McLean, and I am a student at Queen's University (20122526), writing a petition to request for extension of course enrolment deadline of Winter Semester 2024 to enrol in these classes; GPHY 327, GPHY 337, HIST 403, HIST 440, and ENIN 340. I understand and respect the institutional policies in place, but due to unforeseen and uncontrollable circumstances, I find myself in a situation where I was unable to complete the enrolment process before the established deadline.

I have missed the deadline to register for the winter semester of 2024 and would be unable to finish my undergraduate degree without these courses in this semester and would result in myself being unable to attend the final year of my program through the Faculty of Education through the Concurrent Education program path. I was unable to submit my course enrolment requests due to the extenuating circumstances of my mental health relating and due to my other duties and obligations outside of the classroom and my education. I currently have been on an organized long-term-occasional supply assignment with the Algonquin and Lakeshore Catholic District School Board at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic School in Amherstview Ontario. This opportunity has given me a great experience to showcase and execute the skills I have so far learned in through my previous classes within the Concurrent Education program. From this my mental health and overall organization capacity has taken a negative effect on my overall well-being as my work there has extended from regular school time's to after hours with prep and planning taking a large amount of my headspace and further adding to my stress and anxiety. I feel it is my duty to prepare and provide to my students the best planned and executed lessons that further take my time and energy outside the classroom, as well attending to my other part-time employment. Being able to enrol in classes this winter semester would be able to grant me the opportunity to reach closer to my goal of becoming a teacher through the faculty of Education and finishing my undergraduate degree here at Queen's. I had not enrolled in classes in the prior fall semester due to my urgent need of time to figure out what I ultimately wanted to do academically and my future plans. I do believe the path of education to be my calling in life and helping shape the minds of students to help them reach their own goals and aspirations as learners and people. My plan regarding to solve this extenuating circumstance is as follows; upon completion of my duty as an occasional teacher in the ALCDSB, I am currently seeking platforms to better deal with my mental health such as seeking therapy through in-person or online platforms and executing strategies they can provide me to not let my extreme stress and anxiety consume me and take me away from any impending deadlines. From this I will effectively better be able to handle my overall well-being and organizational capacity.

I am particularly interested in taking GPHY 327, GPHY 337, HIST 403, HIST 440, and ENIN 340 due to their relevance of my interests, academic plans, and career goals as an Intermediate/Senior teacher as one day I hope to be able to teach history, geography, and other relevant social science related courses to my future students. Within enrolling in these courses, I would be able to achieve and complete my required courses for my history major plan and as well my second teachable requirement for my Concurrent-Education plan. Due to my unforeseen and uncontrollable circumstance I would not be able to make these goals a reality and fulfill my undergraduate degree requirements, which in turn has worsened my stress and anxiety towards my current and future self.

In light of this, I kindly request your consideration to allow me to enroll in the aforementioned courses. I am aware of the potential challenges this may pose, and I assure you that I am committed to catching up on any missed material and ensuring that my participation and late registration in these courses will not disrupt the class and course structure.

I can provide references of good character and proof of employment in my current role if required.

I understand the importance of adhering to deadlines, and I sincerely apologize for any inconvenience my request may cause to both the faculty of Arts and Science and as well the course instructors. I appreciate your time and consideration of my situation and request.

Thank you for your understanding, and I am more than willing to discuss this matter further if needed. I can be reached at 18cdm@queensu.ca or (519) 639-
0413.

Sincerely,
Colin McLean (20122526)