Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Honourable Dean,

I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to request an exception to drop one of my courses, (HIST 214), after the deadline due to extenuating circumstances related to my mental health. This semester has been particularly challenging for me, and I have faced significant difficulties in maintaining focus and academic performance as a result.

At the onset of the semester, I found myself dealing with severe mental health issues that greatly impacted my ability to engage with my studies. Recognizing the gravity of my situation, I made the difficult decision to return home to Toronto to seek support from my family and initiate therapy sessions to address my mental well-being.

Initially, I contemplated taking a leave of absence for the semester to prioritize my physical and mental health. However, desiring to remain connected to my academic pursuits, I opted to enroll in a reduced course load of three classes instead of my usual five. Despite this adjustment, I found the workload to be overwhelming given the state of my mental health.

Upon returning to Kingston, I faced the task of catching up on missed assignments and coursework, which only worsened the stress and anxiety I was experiencing. Despite my best efforts to manage the workload, I soon realized that the demands of the semester were simply too much for me to handle effectively.

I attempted to drop the course to alleviate some of the burden, but encountered difficulties with the process. Additionally, I had been awaiting documentation from my therapist to support my request for academic accommodations, further complicating matters. The delayed receipt of this documentation left me uncertain about my academic standing and exacerbated my already heightened levels of anxiety and stress.

I want to emphasize that this semesters challenges are not indicative of my typical academic performance or level of commitment to my studies. I have always been a dedicated and driven student, and I am deeply passionate about learning and intellectual growth. However, my mental health concerns have significantly impeded my ability to perform at my usual standards.

While I regret not addressing these issues sooner, I am hopeful that you will consider my circumstances with empathy and understanding. Given the circumstances outlined above, I respectfully request an exception to drop the HIST 214 course, thereby reducing the undue stress and pressure I am currently facing as we approach the exam season.

In support of my petition to withdraw from this course, please find my mental health therapist supporting documentation. I sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this request may cause and appreciate your attention to my situation. Thank you for your understanding and consideration.

Warm regards,

Katelyn Levanaj
20355656
21kml25@queensu.ca
Queens University