Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Sir/ Madam,

I am writing to respectfully request credit standing for Philosophy 259, a course I undertook during the Fall 2023 semester, where unfortunately, I received a grade of D+.

Allow me to provide some context for this request. As an International Student from the Cayman Islands, the Fall 2023 term marked my first experience away from home. Adjusting to a new environment in Canada posed considerable challenges, compounded by the absence of a support system and the unfamiliarity of managing my affairs independently. Moreover, navigating through the weather changes and being separated from my family and closest friends added to the complexity of my circumstances.

Regrettably, amidst these significant adjustments, I was also grappling with the challenges posed by bipolar disorder, a condition diagnosed by my psychiatrist, Dr. Gregory Marsella. The mental health struggles I faced severely impacted my ability to focus with the necessary clarity required for academic success. Despite my earnest efforts, the burden of these circumstances made it exceedingly difficult to perform optimally.

In an attempt to mitigate the adverse effects of my situation, I sought assistance and understanding from Professor Salay, whom I approached to request deferral of the final exam to the Winter term. Graciously, Professor Salay accommodated my request at the time, allowing me the opportunity to address pressing family matters and tend to my mental health needs. I took the final exam upon my return, but sadly my mental health challenges were evident in my poor final exam grade.

Should you require substantiation of my mental health history, Dr. Marsella has provided comprehensive documentation to Rose at Student Affairs/ Student Wellness Services, to whom I grant consent to share pertinent information. I trust that the records will accurately reflect the challenges I have encountered.

In my commitment to fostering personal well-being and academic success, I have taken proactive steps since the Winter term commenced. I have initiated a relationship with a psychiatrist at Student Wellness Services and have already engaged in an initial appointment. I am diligently endeavoring to manage my mental health effectively, recognizing its paramount importance in my pursuit of happiness and success at Queens University.

Furthermore, while it may not directly pertain to the present circumstance, I am concurrently planning to transition my major to English, a field that resonates more deeply with my strengths and passions.

I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity to appeal for credit standing for PHIL 259. Granting this request would not only ensure the inclusion of these credits towards my graduation requirements but would also alleviate the adverse impact of the D+ grade on my GPA while I continue to focus on improving my mental health.

Thank you immensely for your thoughtful consideration of my petition. Your understanding and support during this challenging period would be immensely appreciated and would significantly contribute to my continued academic journey.

Warm regards,

Aerin Ewing-Chow