Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Associate Dean of Arts and Science,

I am appealing to drop SPAN 111 (Fall, 2019).

I am currently in second year of my bachelor of science undergrad, majoring in Chemistry. I chose to take SPAN 111 despite it not being a requirement for my program and enrolling extremely late and missing important fundamental classes. As a high intensity performing student who is involved in a varsity sport, student council, multiple charity organizations, and other extracurriculars, I put a lot of pressure on myself to succeed. Due to this, enrolling so late and attempting to catch up while still focusing on my primary courses which are important for my major took a toll on me physically and mentally. From the very beginning, the late enrollment affected my sleeping ability, a problem I have suffered with in the past and have seeked help from a physician.

The reason why I did not drop the course before the deadline was because by the time I received any sort of testing back from the instructor I only had one or two days to make the decision. I relied on the instructor, who encouraged me to stay in the course despite my failing grade at the time. I sought help from her outside of the class in office hours, practiced all the material that was suggested to me, and even received additional tutoring. I did everything I could to succeed in this course while not slipping and keeping up with a very rigorous chemistry and athletic schedule (labs, tutorials, practices, rehearsals, competitions, etc). All of it was at the expense of my health and none of my efforts aided me in improving my position in the course. I have come to the conclusion that despite my best efforts I am simply not able to dedicate this course the time it takes to learn a language without compensating seriously with my mental well being and hindering my overall performance. Knowing what it takes to learn a language, having mastered three, I do not believe it to be possible for me to have done any better; I can truly say that I gave it my all. I overworked, underslept, and just in general pushed myself so hard in an attempt to prove to myself and the people around me that I am a good student. Now, all I am left with is complete mental and physical exhaustion, higher anxiety than I have ever experienced for a final exam, and a grade in the course that does not represent who I am as a student at all. My only option is to inevitably fail the exam and possibly retake the course when I am in a better mentally healthy headspace which would, as I have been informed by a guidance counsellor, enable me to ever make the Deans Honour List. I feel defeated and misguided. I do not believe that an elective should stand between me and my dreams/goals at Queens. I do not think that is fair to punish a student due to late enrollment, listening to ill advice, and being in a poor sleep-deprived anxious state by revoking and discouraging from the opportunity to reach the highest academic acknowledgement.

As a student at Queens I fully intend to reach my academic goals, which include graduating with the Deans Honour Roll. I have invested in getting academic support through academic counseling and tutoring. I have and will continue attending student wellness to seek support and better my mental health. As well, I will be seeking guidance regarding my sleep from my physician this coming winter break in order to not over work myself again in the winter semester. All I ask is that you please give me the opportunity to reach my goals and not make this define my academic career. I am genuinely a hard working student and always very hard on myself. More than anything I want to improve my current situation and reach my full potential; I am determined in every way to do this and I hope you take that into consideration when reviewing this appeal. Thank you.