Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: April 16, 2018

Dr. Jill Atkinson
Associate Dean (Studies)
Faculty of Arts and Science
Queen's University


Dear Dean Atkinson,

Re: David Vassos (20023387) - Academic Appeal for Late Drop

I am in second year full-time in Computing and Creative Arts (Film).

I am appealing for a late drop of a compulsory course CISC 223 - Software Specifications (Winter 2018).

By way of background, I was a good high school student (85+) and actively involved. I ran into difficulties in grade 10 and became anxious and depressed. I have also done well at Queen's (mostly A's).

This term, I encountered significant difficulties, personally and academically. My 223 course started fine with two assignments at 85 / 95 and an 82 midterm, but thereafter, I missed an assignment, had poor assignments (10 / 30 / 20), missed more assignments and had a second midterm at 25. These marks upset me so much because I am not used to failing. I reacted poorly to all of this and became very anxious, stressed, frustrated, and distracted. Looking back, I may have also become depressed. I did not speak to my professor and I should have. I did speak with my friends and my girlfriend, and was crying because I was so upset.

Since coming to Queen's, I seem to work best late into the evening up to midnight. When I became anxious about this 223 course, I was not studying well in 223, and to some extent in other courses. I also was not sleeping well at all, eating less (forgetting to eat) and not exercising like I have since grade 11. I suddenly had real problems getting up in the morning, and 223 was all morning lectures (Tuesday 8:30; Wednesday 10:30; Friday 9:30). I started missing 223 classes (I missed at least half), and fell further and further behind. That showed itself in my assignments and second midterm. I got caught in a vicious cycle that I could not break.

I was also missing morning lectures for CISC 235 and 260. (I am only appealing to drop 223). 235 had four different units, with just one test and one assignment for each. The units were independent enough that falling behind in one part of 235 or not understanding one concept would only have a negative effect for one unit. 223 was cumulative enough that missing even a couple of classes put me at significant disadvantage for understanding material in later classes, even weeks later. 260 was also cumulative, but focused on two separate programming languages with a distinct first and second half, so this problem was less pronounced. As well, the 260 professor recorded lectures and posted to OnQ, facilitating catch-up on missed lectures. The 260 material was also much more intuitive than 223, making it easier to learn and understand.

I don't know why and I can't explain why I did not drop 223 by the drop date, and that has been very distressing for me. That would have been so simple to do, but I was not thinking clearly. The only way I can describe my situation is that I developed a mental block around 223 and how it was negatively impacting me. I thought that somehow things would magically change, and that I would be able to improve in the remaining weeks. I was terrified to drop because, in my mind, it would mean admitting to myself that my problem with 223 had become big enough that I needed to drop it. I was also terrified to admit I had failed so badly, because I have never experienced academic failure. Unfortunately, my marks did not improve and I was just not able to bounce back.

I call my parents at least weekly. My father always reminds me that he wants to hear not only all good news in my life, but also any bad news. This way, my parents can support me and figure out how to best help if I have concerns. Throughout this term, I did not say anything about how anxious and stressed I felt, and how I was unable to cope with my situation. I finally called my father on April 3rd and told him for the first time what happened. I cried most of our forty minute conversation. He tried to get some help. He contacted a Kingston psychologist acquaintance, but she was too busy to meet. My father then contacted a friend whose son is a KGH intern. He suggested going to Queen's student health. My father drove to Kingston on April 7th to see me and comfort me. I spoke with a student health counsellor on April 9th. On April 10, I consulted my family doctor and met an academic counsellor who provided details about academic appeals.

The 223 exam is Tuesday, April 17th. I have not studied yet because I have been concentrating on other courses and assignments (my last exam for other courses was April 13th and final assignments are due April 15th). I can only start studying on Sunday night when all other work is complete. I am lost on 223. I have missed so much and done so poorly that I don't really know where to start. I am fearful about the exam and under great stress. I really have no choice about writing the exam because I am only submitting this appeal now and will not have the answer before the exam.

My plan is to retake 223 in 2018-2019 (winter) and follow up this summer with my family doctor for help. I am eager to pursue whatever path is necessary to return to good health.

Thank you for considering my appeal.
David Vassos.