Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: To the Associate Dean (Arts and Science):

I am writing to you today asking that you might allow me to drop this semesters?? classes without academic penalty. I am appealing to you because of how late it is in the semester, and because I know I will be unable to proceed successfully with my courses. My current courses are: MATH121A, PHYS115, CHEM281 and ANAT215

This appeal comes to you today as a result of my experience as a victim of sexual and physical assault on November 17th. The violence that I endured has already affected my ability to sleep, and I now have a difficult time focusing and concentrating on everyday activities. I have experienced mental and emotional distress as a result of the assault that was perpetrated against me.

I have taken immediate action towards my recovery, including seeking medical attention and initiating trauma counselling, which will start on December 2nd. While these resources will be essential for me, I feel that I am only beginning to understand how this assault has affected me, and do not feel mentally or emotionally well enough to continue with my studies.

I have dropped my Winter/Spring courses and am considering switching programs (from Life Sciences to Nursing) to what I hope will be a manageable course load for me. I plan to meet with an academic advisor in addition to my other counselling to support me in navigating this.

I still have the goals to finish my degree at Queens and want to continue working toward this goal once I am ready. I hope that you will see fit to approve my appeal because I believe being without academic responsibilities will give me the time and space in this painful season to take the necessary steps towards protecting my mental and emotional health.

Thank you for taking the time to consider my request.

Sincerely,
Grace Welch