Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Associate Dean Stephenson,

I am writing to appeal my academic withdrawal request from Queens University and in place be granted the following credit standing and grades to be dropped from my transcript. I request that GNDS 120, GNDS 125, ENGL 100 and HIST 109 be dropped from my transcript. Additionally, I request that I be granted a credit standing in PHIL 151, POLS 110 and SOCY 122. I understand that my academic performance has not been up to the standards set by Queens University. I very much appreciate this opportunity to explain my extenuating circumstances that prevented me from performing to the best of my academic ability.

I went into my first year unaware that it was not mandatory to take five courses per semester. I started each course with the knowledge that it was likely going to be challenging, but as I had previously been a strong student in high school I thought I would be up to the challenge. I was aware that you could drop courses but didn't due to the fact I believed I would adapt to the greater amount of work, I did not. My severe mental health deeply affected the way I functioned and often my ability to reach out for help. I have now taken the time to better understand the ways in which I may formulate my class schedule to better suit my abilities and prevent me from falling behind again.

I did not get off to a good start at Queen's University. I was placed on West Campus when my closest friends from High School took up residence on the Main campus. Although I made attempts to change residences there were no suitable vacancies. I felt overwhelmed and isolated by this. Although I attempted to make friends, being of a somewhat shy nature I found it very challenging to do so. I often felt completely overwhelmed by my loneliness, particularly at night; this led to an increase in depression and anxiety. I have dealt with depression for a large part of my life but tried to maintain the mindset that it would pass. However, when work started piling up, on top of not being able to form social relationships, I became what I can only describe as paralyzed and clearly my own worst enemy. (Please refer to the attached therapist's letter providing an account of physical symptoms that affect my everyday life). In mid-November, I lost a relationship with a key member of my support system back in Toronto which caused a further decline in my mental wellbeing. Despite my mental state, I attended all my classes and actively participated in discussions in my tutorials. However, sitting down to complete work often lead to increased physical symptoms of depression and anxiety. Even though I was passionate about the subjects I had chosen and was keen to learn, my clearly failing mental health often prevented me from completing tasks.

Although I used my accommodations where available and put in long hours to complete the work assigned, my attempts at managing the situation on my own clearly failed and I still remained overwhelmed, behind and unfocused.

During the December break, I was able to collect my thoughts and regroup. I sought the help of a therapist, who I started to see in January 2023 and I have continued to see them once a week since then. Having someone to talk to really assisted me to work through the range of dark thoughts I was often having. However, I still lacked a support system of friends at Queens.

At the end of January, I joined a Facebook group in search of roommates for the following year. I managed to meet five girls, some of whom were on West Campus and this was a game changer for me. These girls have quickly become my closest friends and we have all been very supportive of one another. By this time I had however failed to find the necessary resources I needed to aid me academically. I had overdue assignments and struggled to adjust to the rigorous academic demands which resulted in me falling behind in my coursework. I was advised to reach out to my professors asking to make up course work where I could. I was given the opportunity to rewrite and complete some outstanding coursework. I took advantage of this opportunity and worked hard to effectively complete this work, which granted me passes in some of the courses I would have otherwise failed. Reaching out for help was difficult but it also provided me with the reassurance that my educators are there to watch me succeed and I was eternally grateful.

Going forward I realize what I need to do to get back on track. I now know where to reach out for resources at Queens and have taken every step to improve my mental health. Since returning home for the summer I have taken steps to address these issues in order to improve my academic performance for next year. I continue to seek counselling to help me deal with my personal issues as they arise. I have reached out to the academic advisors to develop a plan to improve my grades and have in place a tutor for next year should I require additional assistance.

I am committed to succeeding academically and completing my degree at your esteemed university. I am willing and feel much better prepared to make the necessary changes to ensure the continued improvement of my grades. Despite the challenges that this past year has brought me I have most definitely grown and I am feeling much better equipped to take up the challenge.

I kindly request that you reconsider my withdrawal from your University for a year and allow me to continue my studies. I am confident that by seeking the support of the University where I previously failed to and by better managing my time that I can overcome my academic challenges. I have always loved learning and I believe that given a renewed chance I can achieve my academic goals.

I thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Isabelle Rigny.