Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Kayla Manafo
40 Wildberry Crescent
Vaughan, ON L4H 2C6
16kmm2@queensu.ca
April 15th, 2019

Associate Dean (Studies)
94 University Avenue
Queen¿¿s University
Kingston, ON K7L 3N6

Dear Associate Dean (Studies),

I am appealing to drop MUSC191 (Fall/Winter 2018/19) and DRAM300 (Fall/Winter 2018/19).

My request is due to a death in the family in which caused issues regarding my mental health that have affected my academic performance throughout this year.

Last semester I had already been struggling in these courses, as well as overcoming some extreme issues with anxiety. I was prepared to try harder during the next term and I had then taken the time over the winter break to make a plan for success. When returning, however, after a short couple of weeks of remaining on top of my work, I received news that my Grandfather had suddenly passed away. Due to this, I had to take time off of my studies and go home. These circumstances caused a very emotional time for myself and my family, making it hard to come back to school. When I did return, I was still emotional and it was hard being away from home. Soon after, my anxiety started to come back, and it eventually increased to the point where I felt completely unable to focus on anything but the way I was feeling. I lost all motivation, was losing sleep, and felt way too anxious to attend classes, especially those where I knew I would have to speak. I spent countless hours at the library in attempt to complete assignments, but I would start and never be able to finish because I became so overwhelmed by my other thoughts. I felt at a loss being unable to focus on trying to understand work that was already difficult for me to grasp to begin with. As this semester was coming to a close, I realized how much I had to do to try and pass my courses. It took me a while to get past what I was struggling with to email professors asking if they would still accept my work, and how I should proceed.

I am currently completing work for the other courses that I am able to accomplish. Unfortunately for these two classes, due to the sheer complexity and the amount of material, It it has not been possible for me to successfully complete the course load due to my mental state. I am aware of the amount of credits lost, but I will be speaking with someone to advise me on what my options are academically for next year.

Thank you for the time and effort taken to read my appeal letter, and please let me know if there is any additional information needed.

Kayla Manafo