Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Associate Dean,

I am appealing an enrollment after the deadline. I would like to enroll in PSYC 231 (Winter 2018). This past weekend, I had dropped an online course I felt was not aligned with my academic interests. After contacting the professor, I had decided that it was best that I instead take PSYC 231. Unfortunately I misunderstood the add/drop penalty; I genuinely thought I was able to enroll in a course to replace the one I had dropped, provided I pay a financial penalty. I mistakenly thought that I was free to add another course to my schedule if I was willing to accept the extra cost. I apologize and can assure you that nothing like this has happened to me before and nothing like this will happen again. I understand that this was my mistake and my mistake alone. I accept full responsibility. However, it is extremely critical that I enroll in another course. PSYC 231 is best because I have already sought permission from both the course instructor, as well as the Undergraduate Chair of the psychology department, I¿¿ve confirmed that the course is open, it complements the research I have continued to pursue, it fits perfectly into my schedule, and I have already collected the lecture notes I have missed from the first two weeks.

The reason my enrollment into this course is so crucial, which I believe makes my appeal extenuating is the following. Upon graduating, my academic goal is to attend law school. I have already completed all of my degree requirements in the winter term of 2017 and was eligible to graduate then, though, my GPA was not competitive enough to apply. As such, I had made the very difficult decision to attend another year of undergrad which has taken a severe toll on my mental health; I have had to take on two additional jobs and become a residence don in order to afford this extra year in pursuit of a chance at law school. In the Fall 2018 term, I was enrolled in 9 units and I am currently enrolled in 6 units. Law schools only consider full course load terms or an 18 unit year towards an application. Though difficult, this year has been incredibly enriching for me. I¿¿ve worked very hard to have achieved a 4.0 GPA in the previous term and anticipate more academic success in this term.

However, should my appeal be denied I will be back where I started before my 5th year; a noncompetitive applicant. The most feasible option for me both academically and financially would then be to drop my remaining courses, leave Queen¿¿s with this term incomplete, and to graduate. I¿¿m sure you can understand how discouraging this could be. Though it is only two business day past the official deadline, not being enrolled in this course will set my overall academic plan back by two years. I ask you respectfully, to please consider my appeal.

Best,

Kenya Longsworth