Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: To Whom It May Concern:

Please accept this letter as my request to formally apply for Chemistry 223 course taken in academic year 2016/2017 to be changed to a Credit Standing (CR) course.

My request for this is outlined below:

Beginning in the period between 2016-2017 I began to suffer from what I now am understanding of as medical issues. Ultimately, I was dealing with localized anxiety as diagnosed by my physician this past summer.

I began struggling with CHEM223, specifically, in January 2017. Around this time, I realized I did not want to take course as a credit course and I decided to pursue this as a Personal Interest Credit (Pass/Fail) at the time. I was under a great deal of mental stress and I became uncertain as to my major and my future plans. I remember going to Stauffer library for hours and staring at a blank page of my notebook, all the time panicking and not being able to focus on anything in front of me. The loss of control of my mind caused me to panic further. It was specifically this course I was panicking about, and I quickly realized I would not be able to handle a semester in the class. It was so strange to me, because I had previously enjoyed the past semester of Organic Chemistry (CHEM212) and the panic, anxiety and stress I dealt with on a day-to-day basis in the course was painful.

I met with an academic advisor in late January to discuss my issue with the course specifically and my stress and anxiety of dealing with solely this course, at the advise of one of my trusted friends. The advisor reassured me that this course could be designated as a Personal Interest Credit as I wished to switch programs into Life Sciences and it would not be a designated credit course. She said I simply had to talk to the Departmental Assistant to confirm my change of program and designate the course as pass fail. At this moment, the relief I felt was unlike most else I had felt in my life. The stress and anxiety I had relieved off of my shoulders was paramount.

I then spoke with the Biochemistry Program Assistant Ms. Denise Cameron. At this point, I had decided to apply to change my program and facilitate my plans. I was then told that I was not allowed to major in Life Sciences and that I would require CHEM223 even if I were to switch.

This news was concerning to me, and confusing. I had already decided to pursue this as a pass/fail course and I was not committing the typical time and effort I usually would be successful in this course, especially given my status in the course. My localized anxiety to this course was accentuated by the rapid pace and content-heavy nature of the course.

I admit I became uncertain as to what to do, and developed stress and uncertainty.
I did not have time or counsel to sort this out and time was passing. During this time, I fell behind in this course.

At this point I was in trouble, I now realize that at this point I had unknown, underlying medical issues that were ongoing and this stress was adding to my situation. I was uncertain what my major would be, but my original intention was clear and consistent.

As well, given the time in the semester I could not change to a different course. I remember debating leaving school or BSH programs, completely changing my career path, just to avoid this course. I didn't know who else to speak to in order to get the advice I needed and the deadlines for options had passed.

I was unable to catch up and attain the level that I have had at other courses and in my extracurricular activities at Queens to date. I believe my academic, volunteer, and extracurricular record will reflect this point.

The entire situation compounded my medical issues, and is the reason I write to request the change in status.

My physician has sent a letter under separate cover and has advised me she can provide further details if needed. This is my first request to change a course status at Queens and it was a difficult and embarrassing decision to finally write this letter, but I feel it is important to do so.

This issue continues to bother and distract me. I do hold myself to high expectations and the stress over this miscommunication and the result is still causing me considerable stress.

Please note that my standing in the course was not influenced by Professor Petitjean, Ms. Denise Cameron, or the Academic Advisor. These issues I struggled with were the fault of my own, and I realize that I now suffer from anxiety frequently. After speaking with my physician they outlined some coping strategies and potential medications that can help me deal with these issues long-term. In fact, I am appreciative of the hard work that these women did to support me, I had frequently reached out to Dr. Petitjean, and she was understanding, compassionate and accommodating when I requested to move a midterm date or other inquiries.

Best regards,

Stewart Langley