Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Queen’s Academic Petitions Committee,

I am currently in my final year of completing my Bachelor of Art in History. I am writing to inform you that I did not successfully pass the course MUSC 171 and I am seeking a pardon.
I am graciously requesting a credit received (CR) on the course MUSC 171 or a (DR) dropped course for the removal of it from my transcript. I am in full understanding that I am on Academic Probation but I am humbly requesting that a failing grade for the course MUSC 171 be removed and replaced with course credit (CR). This CR will assist me to complete my final semester to attain a History degree from Queen’s. In my winter term, I am currently enrolled in 5 courses knowing that it is required for the completion of my degree, but the removal of the failing grade will give me the confidence to persevere in my challenging academic journey for my final semester. I am proud to have completed the mandatory History courses for my program and my outstanding courses to successfully graduate are the remaining electives.
My academic journey has not been easy for me as it is evident that learning does not come naturally to me. I have had to work extremely hard at a much slower pace and yet I still struggled and had several challenges. However, I pride myself in not quitting or giving up throughout the years even though I know that I am a slower learner than my peers. The embarrassment has been challenging but I continue to try my very best every term. I want to inform you that these grades are not because of immaturity and irresponsible social behaviour. My only goal throughout my post-secondary journey is my education. My time is only being spent catching up on course material and attending classes. This is because my social circle is back home in Caledon where my family lives. I live full time in Kingston, and only go home on scheduled breaks.
I am grateful to have the opportunity to attend Queen’s University and to continue furthering my learning. I understand that it has taken me longer to achieve the goal of gaining a degree but I also realize that in this world without a degree I will not be able to further pursue future post-secondary plans that could work towards my goals for a stable career.
As I am a different learner, being on Academic Probation has caused another level of pressure on my mental health as I wonder if I will ever be good enough to be released from it. I keep trying to figure out solutions to help my learning and, in this case, I was unsuccessful in fulfilling the intended requirements to successfully pass the MUSC 171 course.
I am determined to work on myself to have a successful term. My plan for completing my five courses this semester is to be more of an advocate in my learning whether that means getting external tutoring support or attending more SASS workshops. With this, it will help me gain more tools in how I can better my learning. My Teaching Assistants have placed me into study groups for my courses so that I can learn from my peers with the guidance from my professors. Due to this unforeseen setback, I have made Academic Advising appointments to help me better deal with this issue. As this has affected me mentally and emotionally, I will continue to seek Academic Advising appointments to help me navigate my academic path as well as my mental health. Going to the gym helps me to relieve my stress as well as the pressures I am currently feeling.
I will continue with focusing on this semester and improving my learning so that I can achieve the goal of graduating in the Spring with a degree in History from Queen’s. I have worked to the best of my ability over the past 4.5 years and I have the confidence that I will successfully complete the requirements to graduate this Spring. The removal of a failing grade will give me the boost that I need at this time, where I am so close to the end and very proud that I have made it thus far.
I graciously ask for your assistance in considering my petition request.

Sincerely,

Mikeal Patel
20225139
19mmp9@queensu.ca