Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: To the Associate Dean (Studies),

I, Hannah Foran, am appealing to drop CHEM 281 (Fall, 2017).

I have been struggling a lot with my personal well being these last few months and have been experiencing lots of anxiety, specifically, panic attacks since September. Although mild at first, these panic attacks have become worse and causes me feelings of depression and thus, are having a significant impact on my academic performance, specifically in CHEM 281. As a result, I have been feeling very depressed, exhausted, and like I am losing control. I wake up exhausted and it is often a struggle getting through the day. Although I am registered in several courses, I am only appealing CHEM 281 because this course has caused me to become very distressed. However, I have just recently (Tuesday, November 7) dropped PHGY 214 as this was adding to my stress and causing me to experience a constant state of agitation. I was able to drop this course since it is a full year course and upon dropping it, I felt like there was a load lifted off of my shoulders. I feel like I could breathe again and I felt happier because this course was not something I enjoyed and was detrimental towards my other studies as I would get caught up in it and then not be able to study for my other courses. I like the other courses I am in and enjoy going to class and learning but for CHEM 281, it makes me anxious sitting through lectures and causes me panic when thinking about assignments and exams. I tried to work through these issues and continued going to class and tried my best on assignments but my panic attacks have become worse and I just do not feel like myself anymore. My panic attacks have not affected my other course because I enjoy my other courses and I although I try my best in every course I take, CHEM 281 is causing me severe pain. I have tried getting a tutor but that has not seemed to help and nothing is able to ease my mind about this course which increases my anxiety. I have come to realize that CHEM 281 is really impacting my overall sense of well being and my panic attacks and thus anxiety is progressively getting worse. I really wanted to push through with it and finish the course as I do not like to give up but considering how much suffering I have been through with this course, and how it is only adding to my pain and is increasing my stress levels, I feel that I am at a point where this course is causing me more harm than good. I did not realize how much of a toll this course was taking on my physical, emotional, and mental health until after the academic drop deadline when it was too late to drop the course which has taken my anxiety to a whole new level causing me to have terrible sleeps, a constant feeling of tightness in my chest, and has led to more panic attacks. Since I have realized that my health has become a big problem due to this course, I have gone to the doctors to seek medical help. I feel that staying in CHEM 281 will do more harm to me and will have a negative impact to my health as well as affect my other studies.

I am currently in a Biology major but since I want to change my academic path and go into a Biology/Psychology specialization for third year, my plan for achieving academic success in my future studies is to look at my courses more carefully and talk to an academic advisor in order to be sure that the courses I choose are right for me. Since CHEM 281 is not a requirement for the Biology/Psychology specialization, I feel as if this field will be a better fit for me and will be something that I can excel in. Furthermore, in order to cope with my extenuating circumstances and to get a better control on my panic attacks and anxiety, I will be more diligent using the resources on Queen's campus such as the Wellness center as well as the Peer Support Center so I feel that I am not alone and talk to someone about what I am going through. I will also make regular appointments with my doctor so that we can continue to make plans and implement changes in my life to better manage my anxiety. These future plans will support my academic goals as they will allow me to take courses that I am interested in and not feel constant angst and worry as I feel during CHEM 281. Due to these extenuating circumstances, I really hope that my appeal will be granted and I will be able to drop CHEM 281. A tremendous weight would be lifted off my shoulders and I would be able to branch out and look at other academic paths that play to my strengths without causing me pain.

Thank you for your consideration,
Hannah Foran