Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: I am appealing to request credit for FILM 240 (Fall, 2013), PHIL 272 (Fall, 2013), MATH 121 (Summer 2014), and PHIL 111 (Summer 2014) as well as to drop PHIL 256 (Winter 2014), and Phil 257 (Fall/Winter 2014).

Throughout these terms, I was in an abusive relationship that lasted from the end of summer 2013 to summer 2014. I learned I was pregnant at the start of the school year in September of 2013, when I had turned 19. Three months later, I had a miscarriage. There was no aspect of my life that was unaffected by these circumstances. I had become isolated and stigmatized, my mental and physical health had diminished, and I had lost all support. This had a direct and detrimental affect on my academics during the year.

My grades from these courses are not reflective of my academic ability. I was so ashamed of myself throughout these terms that my focus was solely on surviving the short term day by day. My motivation, self-confidence, and self worth were depleted throughout the relationship. This was only exacerbated after the miscarriage. With anxiety and a deep depression, I believed that the results of these terms were entirely caused by a lack of intelligence. This line of thinking was only made worse by an attempt to use anti-depressant medication prescribed during Winter 2014. Throughout the duration of that year, I was not concerned about my grades or future repercussions as I did not believe that I had the ability to return to school for Fall 2014.

The end of the relationship as well as a business program I attended towards the end of summer 2014 prompted a major transition in my life. The program helped me regain a significant amount of self-confidence and energy that I had lost. There is a B on my transcript for Metaphysics (PHIL 250). This was only achieved because the professor took into consideration my situation and allowed me to complete the course over the summer. I finished the remaining coursework after the business program.

I was terrified of returning to an environment where my previous partner still attends, especially without a support group. However, my success in the program as well as the ability to complete a course and be proud of my work gave me the confidence to continue my education. I have since retaken PHIL 256 as well as PHIL 257, as well as dedicated myself to my courses and recovery. Fall 2014 and Winter 2015 showed me that my second year at Queen¿¿s was not due to an inability to succeed in a university environment, but rather caused by extenuating circumstances that I have been able to gradually put behind me.

Thank you for your consideration,

Tandia Hantho