Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Sarah Marie Earle
20105473

Dear Associate Dean,

I am appealing to drop GEOL 106, HIST 122, GNDS 120, and HLTH 101 for the fall term of 2018. In addition, I am hoping to drop PSYCH 100 and switch into the online version of this course (there are 13 seats available as per academic advising). In regard to the other courses previously mentioned, I am hoping to switch into the online version of the following classes and have spoken extensively with academic advising about this; LIBS 100 (there are 44 seats available), ASTR 102 (159 seats available), RELS 131 (45 seats available), and HIST 124 (30 seats available) for the fall term of 2018. I understand that the HIST 124, RELS 131, and PSYCH 100 are both fall/winter courses, I believe that because they are full year courses I would not struggle to catch up on the material I have missed, if the switch is accommodated.

I understand that I have missed the drop deadline, however, due to extenuating circumstances as the result of poor mental health and wellness, as well as physical health challenges (connected to QSAS), I am appealing to be considered for the following course adjustments. I am hoping to be accommodated into these online courses so as to assist me in continuing with my education, while being able to deal with my physical and metal wellness from home. This will help me better deal with my illness and adjust to the demands of post-secondary education in a more positive manner, which will allow me to be more successful. As supported by Laurie Hooke (crisis) from the Student Wellness Center, I have been suffering from a severe form of anxiety which is significantly affecting my mental wellbeing, and it is triggering my physical disability. I suffer from, Rheumatoid Arthritis, which is an auto immune disorder and is severely being impacted in a negative manner by my mental wellbeing and has been causing physical impairments. As of late, due to the stress of being away from an environment I am comfortable in and able to cope in, I feel as though my academics are being compromised. Thus switching to an online format with the courses listed above would help me better manage all of my current struggles. I apologize sincerely for not meeting the add-drop deadline. However, I was presented with the opportunity to switch to an online format by Academic Advising only a few days before and I needed the opportunity to discuss the option with my parents and my family doctor to identify as to whether they thought this was the best route for me to be taking in regard to my health and education. After much discussion, we concluded that this was the best option for me, and would help set me up for success. Being able to switch into all of the online classes listed above would improve my quality of life significantly and help me to achieve the academic goals I have set for myself as a first-year student. I am a Concurrent Education student; however, I am planning to commute to my Thursday morning Prof 110 class in order to be able to remain enrolled in the program.

I understand I am appealing later than the date, however, if I were to be accepted into these courses I would quickly catch up on all readings, work, and assignments so that I was on track with all of the other students. I am a very fast learner and my studies and academic are the very important in my life. I also have the assistance of QSAS, Academic Advising, and Student Wellness Services, and I am planning on connecting with therapeutic supports while home, so I may create a more solid transition plan for the future. I hope that my requests can be accommodated as I would be able to manage my physical and mental wellness and be able to stay on-track with my degree and graduating class. I plan to pursue the online path for first year only as I feel it will help me to succeed better academically. I plan on returning to Kingston in full for the second year and hope to be on track with all of my credits, with the help of all my supports. Being able to have all of these fall term classes switched to accommodate my situation would help me immensely and would assist me in getting the most out of my time and education here at Queens.

Thank you for your consideration. SWS will be sending supporting documentation separate from this letter.

Sincerely,
Sarah Earle

17sme1@queensu.ca
(289)-388-7313