Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: I am a first year student and am thrilled to be studying at Queen¿¿s. While I could not study at Residence, I decided it¿¿s best I live away from home so I can truly experience University life, the pleasures and the challenges that go with it. I moved in with four other students and one of them did not go to Queen¿¿s. The three others and I did not take the same courses. I didn¿¿t think this would matter much and I was ready to take on this new phase in my life. Unfortunately, I began to feel very overwhelmed as I studied through the courses. Usually, when I become stressed this way, I always lean towards studying with peers. I¿¿ve always enjoyed studying together where we learn from and with each other. However, with the pandemic, I found it very challenging to adjust to online instruction, and with that, did not have the opportunity to learn with peers. The space too was interfering with my learning and I could not head to a library or somewhere quieter where I could give my utmost concentration. This frustration of not being able to complete assignments on time led to depression and low self esteem and I felt myself falling into a panic when exams were fast approaching. I realized that there was too much going through my mind, the anxiety with the worsening situation of the pandemic, feeling that I wasn¿¿t ready for exams, behind in course workload, new system of studying and lack of support to consult with friends all began to come down hard, altogether. Even as I began to face some of these challenges, I should have dropped the course and sought help but I kept telling myself that I can get through it all. But by then, there was too much to catch up and the deadline to drop the course had passed. I emailed Dr. Shulist explaining my situation and she was very accommodating and understanding.
The one lesson that I¿¿ve learned through all of this is that this method of studying could go on for a while and as such, it is important I build some strategies where I can overcome these obstacles. The experience has taught me a lot and I truly feel I am in a better position to take on the challenges that come. I am working on my organizational skills along with grasping the capability to meet deadlines. Even though the anxiety and depression blocked my progress in school, I was determined not to go to my family doctor as I sincerely thought the feeling would get better. Thankfully, I am beginning to feel better with a new understanding of how to study through all these changes we are bombarded with, suddenly and unexpectedly.
I am writing to humbly ask if I may drop the course LLCU111 Introduction to Cultures. I failed the course and deeply saddened. I can provide the correspondence I¿¿ve had with my professor Dr. Shulist, to further explain the situation I was in. My study habits have already improved, and I feel I am ready to manage the new online system of studying. The anxiety and panic with the current pandemic situation are diminishing as my coping mechanisms are developing rapidly. I am determined to disallow the current changes to be in the way of my success
Thank you so much for your consideration,
Anita Nadarajah
Student Number: 20234592