Petition Letter
My name is Morgan Aitkens and I am requesting to drop MUSC 171 without academic penalty due to the fact that the structure of the course is prohibiting me from succeeding to the standard at which I usually hold myself. The course is structured into four different tests, the first three being worth 20% and the final exam being worth 40%. These tests are all multiple choice which doesn??t allow for adequate demonstrations of my understanding. I have found there is an immense amount of pressure to succeed on these tests since there is no other opportunities for improving my grade. I have also found that my professor for the course has been very inconsistent in her teaching style, which has made it difficult to prepare for these tests. For example, there have been times that I have arrived at class for her to only lecture for 20-30 minutes before dismissing us. Other times she has lectured for a full hour, but only read notes from PowerPoint slides without engaging the class. I have found this a very difficult environment to learn in and my grade in the course has been suffering because of it.
The structure of the course is also extremely difficult for me to adhere to due to my diagnoses of Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Panic Disorder. The pressure placed on me to know that 20% of my grade is accounted for in only 20 multiple choice questions has been extremely difficult to cope with. These diagnoses affect me daily, I am most often able to regulate my symptoms through medication and regular appointments with my psychiatrist, however, this course has added a level of stress to my life that has increased the severity of my symptoms when preparing for the tests as well as while writing them. I have attached my diagnosis forms for your review.
Overall, I am hoping for approval to drop this course because the structure of the course and the style of the professor has triggered my anxiety and panic disorders which has caused my grade to suffer. I am aware that I have just missed the deadline to drop without academic penalty, however, I hope that through reading my appeal you will reconsider. Thank you for your time, if there are any further questions regarding my appeal, please reach out to me.
Thank you,
Morgan Aitkens
The structure of the course is also extremely difficult for me to adhere to due to my diagnoses of Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Panic Disorder. The pressure placed on me to know that 20% of my grade is accounted for in only 20 multiple choice questions has been extremely difficult to cope with. These diagnoses affect me daily, I am most often able to regulate my symptoms through medication and regular appointments with my psychiatrist, however, this course has added a level of stress to my life that has increased the severity of my symptoms when preparing for the tests as well as while writing them. I have attached my diagnosis forms for your review.
Overall, I am hoping for approval to drop this course because the structure of the course and the style of the professor has triggered my anxiety and panic disorders which has caused my grade to suffer. I am aware that I have just missed the deadline to drop without academic penalty, however, I hope that through reading my appeal you will reconsider. Thank you for your time, if there are any further questions regarding my appeal, please reach out to me.
Thank you,
Morgan Aitkens