Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Petition to the Associate Dean
Queen’s University
Faculty of Arts and Science
Subject: Petition for Credit Standing – ECON 222 & ECON 250 (Winter 2025 Term)

Dear Members of the Academic Petition Committee,

I am writing to formally petition for credit standing in two courses I completed during this past Winter 2025 term: ECON 222, in which I received a grade D, and ECON 250, in which I received a D-. These grades do not reflect my academic potential or the efforts I put into my education. Rather, they are the result of significant mental health challenges I experienced throughout the term, specifically, the debilitating agoraphobic symptoms that I faced, impairing my daily routine and academic performance.

Throughout the Winter, I struggled with severe anxiety and panic attacks that progressed into agoraphobic symptoms. These symptoms made it extremely difficult, and at times nearly impossible to leave my home. I regularly experience overwhelming panic attacks when trying to leave for class, social events, or even sitting for most of my exams. I experience both physically and emotionally exhausting symptoms, making my day-to-day life significantly more difficult. Preparing to leave the house would trigger hot flashes, dizziness, racing thoughts and a sense of anxiety that left me unable to focus and function. This was not a matter of simply being nervous; I was in a constant state of fear that made even my most routine academic tasks incredibly difficult.

Because of these symptoms, I missed many lectures throughout the semester, and I was often unable to engage meaningfully with coursework that could not be done from the comfort of my home. This severely impacted my understanding of the material and my ability to prepare for work, but despite this, I took it upon myself to learn from home and complete my assignments. In both courses, I received a minimum of 85% on all assignments, 100% in all quizzes, and effectively completed and passed any other coursework. Despite this, my symptoms were especially concerning during exam periods, and I struggled immensely with exam day anxiety. I studied to the best of my abilities from home and prepared in all recommended steps, but my performance did not reflect the knowledge I had gained or the work I put in, as I was often in a dissociative or panicked state during the assessments.

Recognizing that this situation was becoming unmanageable, I took several important steps for myself to seek help. I reached out to my academic advisor during exam periods, explaining how my anxiety throughout exams had impacted my ability to perform. I also spoke to my licensed therapist regarding my symptoms, and working towards steps such as music, breathing exercises and other coping techniques. I made a serious effort to apply these tools throughout the term and overcome the symptoms I was experiencing. While I am now experiencing some improvement, the benefits of my work were not immediate. Mental health recovery is a gradual process, and unfortunately, I was still in the early stages of finding ways to cope with such anxieties at the most academically demanding part of the term.

Despite this, I did not want to withdraw from my courses or give up on what I had already begun. I felt determined to do my best at the very least passing my courses, although knowing this was not a representation of myself. I pushed myself to keep up with all course readings, complete all assignments/quizzes, and study for tests, even when my anxiety prevented it. I tried to maintain a sense of normalcy and routine, even when I didn’t feel safe leaving my home. I care greatly about my academic journey and success, and I made every possible effort to stay engaged in my courses under challenging circumstances.

I believe that if I had been mentally well, I would have performed much better in both ECON 222 and ECON 250. These are subjects mandatory to my program selection, and topics I am truly interested in, and I was committed to understanding the material. I believe the low grades I received are not a reflection of my abilities in either macroeconomic theory or statistics, but rather of the overwhelming circumstances I was facing at the time. Agoraphobia is a very isolating and deeply misunderstood condition, and it can be extremely difficult to grasp the words in explaining to others the ways in which it affects everyday life. It was debilitating to live with, and I did everything in my power to recover and stay on track academically.

Although I am still working towards a full recovery, I am in a much better place with my anxiety, and I continue to work with my therapist and doctor to ensure that I can manage this going forward. I am also taking steps to ensure better support and accommodations are in place in future terms, should I need them. My goal is to continue my studies with the clarity, focus and mental health that I know I am capable of achieving.

For these reasons, I am requesting that you consider granting me credit standing for ECON 222 and ECON 250. I understand the importance of academic standards at Queen’s, and I do not make this request lightly as I too respect my academics. I am currently gathering supporting documentation, should that be needed, to confirm the nature and duration of my symptoms, as well as the steps I have taken to address them.

I truly appreciate your time and consideration regarding this matter. I deeply value my education at Queen’s, and I am determined to succeed despite the obstacles I have faced.

Best,
Lola Beauvais.