Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Bonjour Dr. Johanne Bénard,

I am appealing to drop DRAM211 (Winter 2017). Although this was an online course, I had an extremely overwhelming semester, due to mental illness as well as having a friend pass away in January. I struggled all semester staying on top of my academics and barely succeeded in doing so. There were many days where I had immobilizing anxiety, and insomnia and could not get out of bed, which was only heightened by the passing away of my friend. Due to this, many of my grades were affected, already impacting my GPA, which is already on the Academic Probation line. My insomnia has been something I¿¿ve struggled with my whole life, and my anxiety only makes it worse, causing more anxiety, and then more insomnia, and therefore a snowball effect.
My greatest concern is the fact that I failed DRAM211, as I was extremely overwhelmed by all my other courses, and did not complete nearly enough of this course¿¿s content. Each week my work kept piling up and I kept neglecting to do the work required for DRAM211, as I was not accustomed to doing an online course. I don¿¿t think a ¿¿fail¿ in this course properly reflects my academic abilities, as I did not fail the work, but I only failed to do the work. I know I could do well in this course if I didn¿¿t have these extenuating circumstances causing me to perform below my capabilities.
I have recently gone to seek help regarding my anxiety and insomnia, (please see note attached) and I plan to continue counseling to help me overcome my anxiety and insomnia, and succeed academically in all future semesters. Should my appeal be granted, I plan on re-taking this course next semester in addition to my other 5 courses. I have also consulted an academic advisor, and plan on meeting with her regularly to get me back on track academically, and I am planning on taking summer courses in 2018 to improve my GPA. I know I am capable of achieving in my academics here at Queen¿¿s.
If this course was treated as a drop, I would be most grateful and understand it would have a less adverse effect on my GPA. This would allow me to remain at Queen¿¿s and get on the right path to success where I have learned where and how to obtain proper guidance and support.