Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Associate Dean,

I am appealing to drop BIOL 102 Online (Winter 2018).

I would like to drop the course because my mental health has been in absolute shambles. Depression and anxiety have stifled me from doing any kind of academic work in BIOL 102. Homesickness, being an international student from the Philippines, and having no support system (friends) because I decided to live off campus definitely has played a part in my struggles. Living with my housemates definitely hasn¿¿t helped because I am laughed at every time I try to talk to them about mental health. I am unable to focus on my academics, I haven¿¿t been able to accomplish any kind of work in BIOL 102 aside from a single online quiz that I scored a D on. I began feeling the struggles last December during the exam season. It has been affecting me for the past 5 months, and it is still happening. I have gone to the Student Wellness Services to talk to healthcare professionals (doctor and counsellor) 10 times since last February 2nd, not much has changed.

I am going home to the Philippines for the entire summer and have a proper plan to get my mental health back on track. My recovery will revolve around routine, exercise, healthy diet, love, sun, air, therapy, social activity, meditation, creative outlet, sleep, humor, reading, and taking online writing courses. I am moving to an apartment next year, they encourage their tenants to meet one another by holding traditional celebrations and parties, which will definitely fill the void of a support system. I will also be meeting with a healthcare professional to discuss with them about the possibilities of having ADHD and will use prescribed medications temporarily if needed. I will be holding monthly sessions with a healthcare professional both in the Philippines and in Queen¿¿s University when I return to keep myself in check. I will also be availing of the Accessibility Services. I plan on changing my major from Global Development Studies to Environmental Sciences, placing Global Development Studies as my minor. I have 27 units of transfer credits from my previous university, 3 courses of 200- 300 level Environmental Sciences courses which will lessen the academic load. I will only be taking 3 courses per term, and will be doing a summer term next year to move further towards my degree.