Manage Appeals
Petition Type: New
ID: 13411
Submitted: July 22, 2025 at 10:49:43 AM
First Name: Shirmia
Last Name: Crosbie
Pronoun: She/Her
Student Number: 20373742
Email: 22skc2@queensu.ca
Degree Program: Bachelors of Arts and Science
Plan: PSYC
Level of Study: 1
Petition Categories
Petition Categories: Drop a course after the academic deadline
Code: PSYC 100
Term: Fall/Winter
Year: 2024
Petition Category: Drop a course after the academic deadline
Code: GNDS 120
Term: Winter
Year: 2024
Petition Category: Drop a course after the academic deadline
Petition Letter
Petition Letter: To: Associate Dean (Academic)
Faculty of Arts and Science
Queen’s University
Dear Associate Dean,
I am writing to formally petition to drop PSYC 100 A Fall 2023, PSYC 100 B Winter 2024 and GNDS 120 Winter 2024 from my academic record due to extenuating personal circumstances that had a serious impact on my ability to complete the course. This letter is submitted as part of a First Level Petition and outlines the nature of my request and the circumstances that led to it.
At the time I was enrolled in these courses, I was experiencing significant mental health challenges that deeply affected my daily functioning and academic performance. These issues arose unexpectedly and were beyond my control. Although I tried to manage my symptoms on my own, the situation gradually escalated over the term, resulting in a marked deterioration of my focus, motivation, energy levels, and emotional well-being. These struggles became most intense during the latter half of this course, coinciding with critical academic deadlines, including major assignments and exam preparation.
Despite my best intentions, I was unable to maintain the level of academic engagement needed to succeed in the course. I often found it difficult to keep up with lectures and readings, and I struggled to complete assignments on time. I recall multiple occasions where I sat in front of my computer, unable to concentrate or process the material in front of me, which was incredibly frustrating and disheartening. These experiences had a cumulative effect, leading me to fall behind and, eventually, disengage from the course entirely.
During this period, I sought professional support and consulted with a healthcare provider, who confirmed the severity of my condition. With their guidance, I began to take the necessary steps to prioritize my mental health and recovery. This included reducing some of my responsibilities and focusing on building strategies for better self-care and long-term wellness. While I am now in a better place and continuing with my recovery, the impact on my academic progress during that term was undeniable.
I understand that I was registered in multiple courses during the term, and you may question why this particular course was affected more significantly. The truth is, the content and structure of this course made it uniquely difficult to navigate under the circumstances I was facing. Unlike some of my other courses, which involved smaller, more frequent assessments, this course was heavily weighted toward major assignments and exams. These larger assessments required sustained focus and organization—skills I was struggling with the most during my mental health challenges. As a result, this course was disproportionately impacted compared to the others I was enrolled in.
Another question I anticipate is why I did not drop the course before the official Week 8 drop deadline. At the time, I was holding onto the hope that my condition would improve and that I could catch up. I was reluctant to give up on the course too soon, as I did not fully grasp the severity of my situation or the long-term impact it would have. I believed that with enough effort and determination, I could push through. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case. In hindsight, I now recognize that my decision to remain enrolled past the drop deadline was shaped by the same mental health challenges that interfered with my academic performance.
I want to emphasize that I take my academic responsibilities seriously and value the opportunity to study at Queen’s. I do not take this petition lightly. I am not seeking special treatment but rather an opportunity to be fairly assessed in light of the circumstances I was facing at the time. My request to drop this course is made with the intention of moving forward in my studies with a clear and stable foundation.
Thank you for taking the time to consider my petition. I am happy to provide any further documentation if needed, and I appreciate your understanding and compassion in reviewing my situation.
Sincerely,
Shirmia Crosbie
20373742
Bachelor of Arts
Faculty of Arts and Science
Queen’s University
Dear Associate Dean,
I am writing to formally petition to drop PSYC 100 A Fall 2023, PSYC 100 B Winter 2024 and GNDS 120 Winter 2024 from my academic record due to extenuating personal circumstances that had a serious impact on my ability to complete the course. This letter is submitted as part of a First Level Petition and outlines the nature of my request and the circumstances that led to it.
At the time I was enrolled in these courses, I was experiencing significant mental health challenges that deeply affected my daily functioning and academic performance. These issues arose unexpectedly and were beyond my control. Although I tried to manage my symptoms on my own, the situation gradually escalated over the term, resulting in a marked deterioration of my focus, motivation, energy levels, and emotional well-being. These struggles became most intense during the latter half of this course, coinciding with critical academic deadlines, including major assignments and exam preparation.
Despite my best intentions, I was unable to maintain the level of academic engagement needed to succeed in the course. I often found it difficult to keep up with lectures and readings, and I struggled to complete assignments on time. I recall multiple occasions where I sat in front of my computer, unable to concentrate or process the material in front of me, which was incredibly frustrating and disheartening. These experiences had a cumulative effect, leading me to fall behind and, eventually, disengage from the course entirely.
During this period, I sought professional support and consulted with a healthcare provider, who confirmed the severity of my condition. With their guidance, I began to take the necessary steps to prioritize my mental health and recovery. This included reducing some of my responsibilities and focusing on building strategies for better self-care and long-term wellness. While I am now in a better place and continuing with my recovery, the impact on my academic progress during that term was undeniable.
I understand that I was registered in multiple courses during the term, and you may question why this particular course was affected more significantly. The truth is, the content and structure of this course made it uniquely difficult to navigate under the circumstances I was facing. Unlike some of my other courses, which involved smaller, more frequent assessments, this course was heavily weighted toward major assignments and exams. These larger assessments required sustained focus and organization—skills I was struggling with the most during my mental health challenges. As a result, this course was disproportionately impacted compared to the others I was enrolled in.
Another question I anticipate is why I did not drop the course before the official Week 8 drop deadline. At the time, I was holding onto the hope that my condition would improve and that I could catch up. I was reluctant to give up on the course too soon, as I did not fully grasp the severity of my situation or the long-term impact it would have. I believed that with enough effort and determination, I could push through. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case. In hindsight, I now recognize that my decision to remain enrolled past the drop deadline was shaped by the same mental health challenges that interfered with my academic performance.
I want to emphasize that I take my academic responsibilities seriously and value the opportunity to study at Queen’s. I do not take this petition lightly. I am not seeking special treatment but rather an opportunity to be fairly assessed in light of the circumstances I was facing at the time. My request to drop this course is made with the intention of moving forward in my studies with a clear and stable foundation.
Thank you for taking the time to consider my petition. I am happy to provide any further documentation if needed, and I appreciate your understanding and compassion in reviewing my situation.
Sincerely,
Shirmia Crosbie
20373742
Bachelor of Arts
Documentation
Professional Letter: drs note-0.jpg
Document: drs note-1.jpg
Documentation Detail: Drs Note