Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: I am requesting credit standing for my Health 101 mark that I completed during the Fall Semester 2023 due to extenuating circumstances. I am applying to the Health Studies Program and I have spoken with Ms. van der Meulen, Department Manager and Undergraduate Chair for the School of Kinesiology and Health Studies. She recommended this process to me and has agreed that my Health 102 mark would be considered for admission into the Health Studies Program if this request for credit standing is approved.

I am a survivor of child abuse and sexual assault by a family member, my cousin who is 7 years older than I am. I was abused and assaulted from the age of 12 - 16 years old and I suffered in silence as my abuser threatened physical harm to me and my family if I told anyone. In August 2021, my parents became aware of the situation and made arrangements for me to obtain the treatment and support that I required. I received counseling, treatment from a psychiatrist after numerous suicide attempts and was formally diagnosed with Complex PTSD.

In November 2022, I was mentally ready to file a report with the Ottawa Police and my abuser was formally charged with Sexual Interference, Sexual Exploitation and Child Luring. I continued to receive treatment from the psychiatrist at the Royal Ottawa Mental Health Group. Once I received acceptance to Queen’s for the Fall Semester 2023, I ensured that I had support in place for a smooth transition of my treatment plan and arranged counseling through the Student Wellness Services and support from the Accessibility Program.

As I transitioned to the life of a university student by moving away from home and living in residence and adjusting to the expectations of university, I experienced further stressors that were beyond my control and required me to be away from campus frequently. The Court was attempting to resolve the charges against my perpetrator through resolution instead of going to trial which required me to attend meetings and to make very difficult decisions as to what my expectations were for resolution of the case. My stress was further increased as the Defense Lawyer’s proposals for resolution were very minimal compared to the years of abuse that I endured. All of these discussions negatively impacted my health and well-being and my mental health was greatly impacted once again. I continued to receive counseling through the Student Wellness Services and through Victim Services with the Ontario Court System. My goal during this time was to ensure that my mental health improved and that I was ready to focus on my academic career for the start of the Winter Semester. I became more determined to not let this event of the past control my life anymore or to let it affect my obtaining the goals for my future. Even though I was unable to attend classes regularly due to my disability, I continued to submit my assignments and ensured that I completed all exams that were scheduled. I obtained a C in Health 101 and a 2.0 GPA for the Fall Semester. This clearly does not demonstrate my true academic ability but considering the events of the Fall Semester I obtained the credits I attempted with the drive to improve during the upcoming semester.

During the Winter Semester, I continued to attend counseling where I was able to learn new tools that I used daily to assist me with meeting my academic requirements. I participated in the Peer Mentoring Program through the Academic Support System to assist me with setting and meeting my academic goals. I met with my Continuing Education Academic Advisor on a regular basis as well as my Prof 110 Professor whom I confided in regarding my situation. By utilizing these supports I remained on track with my academic commitments and finished the Winter Semester with a 3.08 GPA with an A as my final mark in Health 102. I firmly believe that the support and tools that I utilized during the Winter Semester assisted me to obtain my demonstrated academic improvement.

My mental health and well-being is greatly improved and I have a clear plan for my future. I actively practice strategies to ensure a balanced lifestyle and time management such as a regular exercise program. I continue and will continue to attend counseling through Student Wellness Services as well as the services of the Accessibility Program. I plan to continue with the Peer Mentoring Program and my relationship continues with the Professor who I was able to confide in.

I am requesting that you approve this petition for credit standing for Health 101 and for the consideration of my Health 102 mark for acceptance to the Health Studies Program. I am committed to my academic career and your approval would allow me to meet my goal to pursue my studies as I am very passionate about health and well-being for all.