Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Saturday, March 17, 2018

Dear Associate Dean (Studies),

I am writing today to appeal to drop the course PHYS117 taught by professor Anne Topper. I, and medical professionals, believe it is in my best interest to withdraw my enrollment in this course due to a psychological impairment beyond my control that has been impacting all aspects of my life. This holds especially true for my studies here at Queen¿¿s.

Specifically, the impairment has made it difficult, if not impossible, to attend lectures, to concentrate on the course material, to engage with my professors and to perform the way I would like to as a student. This impairment has been present for the most part of 2017-2018, however, January of 2018 is when it started to greatly affect my academic performance. I have not been able to attend lectures and this has led to underperformance on tests, in labs and has been a hindrance on participation marks. I experience difficulties completing required course work (readings, online tests, etc.) due to the impairment. While this has affected ALL of the six courses I am enrolled in, I am only requesting to drop PHYS117 because it is a course I no longer need. I am a second-year student and I will be switching out of the Life Science¿¿s Major as of this year. All of the other five courses I am enrolled in, I will need for my new plan, and so I am continuing with them even though my performance has been poor. In dropping PHYS117, I hope this will give me some ease of mind on focusing on getting help for my condition, reaching out and mending personal ties, seeking a support system and focusing my attention on courses that will be of benefit to my education and career goals. It has taken me a long time to seek help for this impairment because of the guilt/shame associated with it. I have made these first steps and I am now going through with counselling and medication in order to recover.

To succeed in the future academically, and to ensure I learn from these mistakes and do not repeat them, I will continue with counselling and measures put in place with my doctor. Most of all, I will speak up when I need help, sooner rather than later. I will not let my pride stand in the way of seeking support from medical professionals, from my peers and from my family. I will also be changing my program and so, I believe this will help my mental wellbeing. I have spoken with academic advisors and the switch from Life Science Major to Psychology Major is manageable and will not interfere with the timeline of my degree. Since PHYS117 is a 6.0 credit course, I will be making up the 3.0 credit deficit in a summer course sometime throughout my degree when I am better able to pursue it (I will still be taking 5 courses this semester so only a 3.0 is required in the summer). I do not intend on enrolling in six courses in one semester again while I am dealing with this psychological challenge.

Besides from this appeal, I feel very compelled to mention to the Associate Dean the importance of integrating BISC students into Queen¿¿s Main Campus and providing more support where I believe it is lacking. Thank you for your time and your consideration.

Sincerely,

Katelyn Holliday