Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Board of Studies,

I am appealing to drop ANAT215 (Fall) after the deadline and seeking credit standing in BCHM218 (Fall). Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to explain my circumstances.
I transferred to Queens after my first year at Carleton University. It was a huge change moving out from home and attending a different university, in a different city. My transition was not as smooth as I would have hoped. I struggled a lot with my mental health at the beginning of the school year. I had difficulty concentrating, staying organized, managing stress, managing distractions, panic attacks, etc. I was diagnosed with General Anxiety Disorder and began taking medications to help. However, those did not work, and I was suggested a different medication as a result. The medications had severe side effects that I endured for several weeks before consulting my family doctor. My side effects included insomnia, headaches, dizziness, bleeding and overall feeling sick. They took a huge tole on my body, and I could not get out of bed for days at a time. Furthermore, I began having memory problems and trouble remembering events or facts. The courses I am appealing to require many hours of studying and memorizing class material. All of which are needed to do well when tests came around. In between the changes of those mediations my anxiety and depression were not treated since the body does need a few weeks to get adjusted to them. I began taking the first medication I was prescribed at the start of October, after a few weeks and with deliberation with my physician, we decided to switch to an alternate medication. I then began those towards the middle of November and had the initial side effects medications all threw out December.
My depression and anxiety were at an all-time high during that time. I have never had suicide thoughts until then. I do not mean to make excuses for my poor academic performance, but I would like to explain my circumstances. I knew that registering for 15 credit hours in the spring would require a lot of me. I thought I could handle the workload, and I think I still could, though during that time my mother became very ill. While she was home sick and unable to work, I had to drive home every weekend and some weeknights to help with household duties and to care for siblings. The two-hour-long drive each way cut into my study time, as did the chores I had to do at home. Even when I was at school, I was very distracted by my home situation and was unable to focus on my schoolwork. I understand now that I should have communicated with my professors better. I thought I could handle all these burdens, and I tried my best, but I was wrong.
If the appeal is approved, I will focus more on my schoolwork and manage my time more wisely. I have finally found a medication that has tremendously helped my anxiety and depression, which I have been on for five months. I have regular appointments with my physician to continue monitoring my medications. Fortunately, my mother is recovering and has returned to work, so l should not need to travel home nearly as often. Additionally, I have met with my advisor, and I will follow her advice about communicating better with my professors from now on. I sincerely hope that this appeal shows that I am dedicated to being a successful student here at Queens University. There have been many steps I have done over the months to ensure my success going forward.
Thank you for considering this appeal and look forward to hearing from you.

Regards,

Celine Habashy