Petition Letter
Dear Associate Dean (Academic),
I am writing today to appeal to drop two courses without academic penalty: COMM 612 (Managerial Accounting) and COMM 631 (Fundamentals of Marketing). I am requesting this appeal as I am currently struggling with my mental wellbeing and am unable to cope with the multitude of pressures that are weighing heavily on me at present. I am in 4th year Kinesiology maintaining a GPA of 3.5 + and taking a supplemental business certificate. However, I am also a strong contributor to several extracurricular clubs, such as holding the position of Commissioner of Internal Affairs on the Physical Health Education and Kinesiology Students?? Association (PHEKSA) and Marketing and Promotions Executive on Queen??s Concussion Awareness Committee (QCAC). I am also a peer mentor, maintain other volunteer positions on PHEKSA, and am a member of the Dean??s list in 2021.
I have been struggling with mental illness since at least 2013, when I was diagnosed. I attend regular counselling to support my mental health and continue to learn and implement coping skills to overcome obstacles. I work hard to maintain a good quality of life and balance the various pressures and expectations that are placed on me so that I can be successful in all areas. I experience depressive and anxiety ridden episodes frequently and can most often manage. However, for the past number of weeks I am struggling more and more to cope. Recently I lost a close friend from the Kinesiology program, which has contributed to my mental health continuing to plummet and I am seeking reprieve.
I did not drop the courses prior to the deadline as I was committed and determined to finish them and attain my certification. At the time of the due date, I felt like I was managing enough to get through the remaining school year. However, it has become very evident over the past weeks, that I am not able to manage these courses on an ongoing basis while maintaining any sense of wellness. I have pushed so hard to finish these courses, but I have reached my breaking point. I tried to keep up with the expectations, but for the sake of my health, I can no longer do this. The workload is too much, the pressures are overwhelming, and I am constantly panicked at the thought of failure. It feels paralyzing and is affecting my overall performance at school, and of course, poor grades could have serious impact on my endeavours of getting into physiotherapy school.
The two courses I am appealing to drop without academic penalty are not required to complete my degree and I have since determined are not instrumental in my future successes. Evaluating the options, dropping the two commerce courses is the best option that may allow me to complete the year with academic success, along with any chance at mental stability.
I appreciate your consideration in this matter. I have never been one to ask for help, which is why I have made it this far. However, I am asking now because I really need the support. I am at my breaking point, and I feel I cannot complete the school year with my current course load. I have attached a letter from my psychotherapist to support my statements of mental illness and work I have done over the years to establish my well-being. I am happy to answer any questions you have and am requesting your empathy in this regard.
Thank you for your time and consideration,
Madison Allan (20115677)
I am writing today to appeal to drop two courses without academic penalty: COMM 612 (Managerial Accounting) and COMM 631 (Fundamentals of Marketing). I am requesting this appeal as I am currently struggling with my mental wellbeing and am unable to cope with the multitude of pressures that are weighing heavily on me at present. I am in 4th year Kinesiology maintaining a GPA of 3.5 + and taking a supplemental business certificate. However, I am also a strong contributor to several extracurricular clubs, such as holding the position of Commissioner of Internal Affairs on the Physical Health Education and Kinesiology Students?? Association (PHEKSA) and Marketing and Promotions Executive on Queen??s Concussion Awareness Committee (QCAC). I am also a peer mentor, maintain other volunteer positions on PHEKSA, and am a member of the Dean??s list in 2021.
I have been struggling with mental illness since at least 2013, when I was diagnosed. I attend regular counselling to support my mental health and continue to learn and implement coping skills to overcome obstacles. I work hard to maintain a good quality of life and balance the various pressures and expectations that are placed on me so that I can be successful in all areas. I experience depressive and anxiety ridden episodes frequently and can most often manage. However, for the past number of weeks I am struggling more and more to cope. Recently I lost a close friend from the Kinesiology program, which has contributed to my mental health continuing to plummet and I am seeking reprieve.
I did not drop the courses prior to the deadline as I was committed and determined to finish them and attain my certification. At the time of the due date, I felt like I was managing enough to get through the remaining school year. However, it has become very evident over the past weeks, that I am not able to manage these courses on an ongoing basis while maintaining any sense of wellness. I have pushed so hard to finish these courses, but I have reached my breaking point. I tried to keep up with the expectations, but for the sake of my health, I can no longer do this. The workload is too much, the pressures are overwhelming, and I am constantly panicked at the thought of failure. It feels paralyzing and is affecting my overall performance at school, and of course, poor grades could have serious impact on my endeavours of getting into physiotherapy school.
The two courses I am appealing to drop without academic penalty are not required to complete my degree and I have since determined are not instrumental in my future successes. Evaluating the options, dropping the two commerce courses is the best option that may allow me to complete the year with academic success, along with any chance at mental stability.
I appreciate your consideration in this matter. I have never been one to ask for help, which is why I have made it this far. However, I am asking now because I really need the support. I am at my breaking point, and I feel I cannot complete the school year with my current course load. I have attached a letter from my psychotherapist to support my statements of mental illness and work I have done over the years to establish my well-being. I am happy to answer any questions you have and am requesting your empathy in this regard.
Thank you for your time and consideration,
Madison Allan (20115677)