Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Associate Dean,

I am appealing to drop MUSC171 (Fall, 2019). I understand that the course has been completed and I have failed to pass the requirements, yet I would like to explain the extenuating circumstances that occurred which prevented me from being successful in this course. I was unable to manage my time effectively the whole term resulting in me missing important online deadlines such as quizzes and tests. I was unable to manage my time because of my lack of organization of my time and organization of my work. Moreover, a great deal of the content was based on online modules where I struggled to keep up with and understand, leaving for a poor final paper. I struggled specifically with this course as it is set up dependant on a lot of online learning and self-discipline where success depended on my organization and time management skills. I did not drop the course at an earlier time because I enjoyed the content of the course and wished to try and succeed; moreover, I was a new student in first year and was unaware of the opportunities I had to alter my courses once I started to see difficulty.
I feel as though I have reached a better place in my academic ability. I have been reviewing my learning style report and targeting the areas in my studies that I have been having difficulty with; mostly highlighting my lack of organizational skills and my ability to manage my time. With understanding the severity of my learning challenges, I have recently been in contact with Queens Student Accessibility Services to ensure that my accommodations are properly in place for future courses and assignments. As well, I have met with a university counsellor to assist with my course load and academic management assisting with understanding which courses will best fit my learning style and how to move forward after having trouble in first semester. In order to ensure success in future courses I will continue to consult with the QSAS for guidance and assistance when deciding on which courses fit my learning style best, and how to manage a full course load. I have also been consulting an outside academic advisor who is assisting me with organizational strategies and establishing good habits; this advisor aids me in planning out my week with all my academic requirements (class, assignments, extra help etc.), as well as ensures that I am always aware of upcoming academic deadlines and planning based on assistance I may need.
I acknowledge that my execution of this course was poor but I am optimistic that with the ongoing support mentioned above and the knowledge that I should assess my performance in my courses by the drop date deadlines and perhaps carry a lighter course load, I will be successful in my future studies.

Sincerely,

Alexander van Nostrand

20157356