Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Dr. Johanne Bénard,


I am appealing to have a credit standing for BCHM 218 and PHGY 214 for the 2015 winter term.

There have been multiple extenuating circumstances that have affected my academic standing this past semester. Starting at the beginning of January, I had developed mild depression for the first time in my life. Unable to focus on daily activities including schoolwork, I spent most of my time alone in my bedroom or doing things to try and get my emotional status back up to par. The height of my depression began around reading week when midterms in both subjects were underway. Both BCHM 218 and PHGY 214 are courses that are solely based examination marks and quizzes. Preparing for such evaluations was very difficult due to the lack of focus and frame of mind caused by the depression. On top of the depression, my grandfather had suffered a stroke in early January. Four days prior to reading week, he then suffered a heart attack. Growing up as my grandfather's neighbour all my life I have a very close relationship with him. The days leading up to reading week were both distracting and emotional; schoolwork was the last thing on my mind. Over reading week I helped my mother take care of my grandfather after he was out of the hospital, while trying to handle my depression. Studying for my upcoming midterms took a backseat to my circumstances. A month later, a fellow Queen's Gael, Carley Allison, passed away from her battle against cancer. I had known Carley since I was a little girl as we used to figure skate at the same club. Her death not only took a toll on me emotionally, but also resurfaced my depression. Entering final examination period, I was behind on my readings due to the recent events over the course of the semester and was not in the right frame of mind for my evaluations. I did not do well in my other courses as well, however I managed to accomplish the simpler tasks and assignments in those courses to help my final average. I am not appealing my failed CHEM 282 grade, as it may be a prerequisite to my program in the future. Throughout the winter semester, my only support system were my parents back home. I have never gone through a situation like this before and I was very lost in the matter. I am not the type of person to seek out help; I am normally the one giving the help.

In the future, I plan to be in a different program. I have already placed a request to change into a Biology Major instead of a Life Sciences General. The program allows me to complete more laboratories and assignments in comparison to the Life Sciences courses that are largely dependant on examination performance. I will also be in contact with Health Counselling and Disabilities Services if my depression resurfaces in the upcoming years. I now have been exposed and educated on the subject and will realize that if not dealt with, the repercussions are detrimental.


Sincerely,

Ashley Irvine