Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Hello,
I am writing to you today to request a late course drop for GEOL 104. I found that for me, Geology 104 was the wrong course to be taking towards getting my degree due to the fact I would like to obtain a degree in Sociology. This course has been very difficult for me in many ways. To start off, I have found that the courses in second semester were a lot harder than the courses I took in first semester which adds to the struggles I am experiencing with Geology. The course I find is too difficult for me and I find myself lost when in lectures. As well, I am a member of the Queen's Gaels Football team. With football, I have done my best to balance workouts and practices with academics but this year was very hard for me to adapt with the schedule being in my first year and not having the previous experience of an extensive athletic and academic schedule. I have sought help from team mates who are upper year student-athletes and even with their help, I feel that I do not understand core concepts. Every time I attend a lecture or tutorial, I feel over stressed and feel like I am about to have a nervous break down. I am currently receiving poor marks which has resulted in added pressure from my parents who are both university graduates. My mother has two degrees from Queen's (commerce, con-ed) and my father has a degree from Carleton (commerce). My parents have always pushed me to get the best marks I can and I don't want to fail them. They always check my marks and make sure that I am doing the best I can. I told them about Geology and how it does not suit my desired degree as well as how I am receiving poor marks. I have told them about how I am receiving extra help through upper year Geology Major student and how I do not understand the course. With the added pressure from football and my parents, this puts a lot of stress on me and I have notice it has affected my overall lifestyle. I am constantly feeling depressed along with ashamed to be doing so bad in a course. I am also concerned with my Grade Point Average moving into my second year and want to avoid being on academic probation after my first year. I feel that after my first year, I will understand the demands of both my academics and athletics and be better prepared for my future years here at Queen's. However, I hope to start next year not being on academic probation, which would be added pressure. With the dropping of the course, I feel I will be able to focus on improving my marks in the other courses I am currently enrolled in, as well as not having the stress from parents and myself which have resulted in periods of depression I have been experiencing. I also feel I now understand what courses are best suited for me and will help me make better decisions in which courses compliment my desired major.