Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Associate Dean of Academics,

I am writing to request that I be granted Credit Standing for PHYS332 status due to extenuating circumstances that significantly affected my academic performance during the Winter 2026 term.

This semester, I experienced substantial academic and personal challenges that were beyond my control. Most significantly, I did not receive my academic accommodations for PHYS417 that I am entitled to and rely on for equitable participation in my coursework. Without these accommodations in place, I struggled to manage the demands of my coursework and assessments effectively in PHYS 417 and all of my other classes this semester including PHYS 332. The impact of this situation became increasingly severe throughout the semester and ultimately resulted in my withdrawal from PHYS 417. This withdrawal caused me significant distress, as it placed my ability to graduate in jeopardy and contributed to a serious decline in my mental health and academic functioning throughout the remainder of the term.

As the semester progressed, I experienced worsening depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation, which substantially affected my concentration, motivation, and overall ability to perform to my usual academic standard. Recognizing the severity of the situation, I sought professional support from both my family physician and my therapist and began medication and counselling. This support was extremely beneficial and helped me regain stability and continue working toward completing my courses despite these challenges.

The effects of these circumstances were reflected in my academic performance across the term. While I worked extremely hard to improve my standing and successfully complete the semester, my final Physics GPA was reduced from 1.93 to 1.882 following the release of my final grade in PHYS 332. Although I passed the course, this leaves me just below the 1.9 GPA requirement needed to graduate this spring.

Prior to these circumstances, I had consistently worked toward completing my degree requirements and maintaining progress toward graduation and continuing into Teacher Education program at Queen’s University. I believe my academic record outside of this period more accurately reflects my capabilities as a student.
Granting Credit Standing in PHYS 332 would raise my Physics GPA back to a 1.93 to allow me to graduate and continue into my Teacher Education program at Queen’s University this upcoming school year. Given the documented extenuating circumstances and the minimal difference between my current GPA and the graduation requirement, I respectfully ask that this request be given compassionate consideration.

I have attached supporting documentation regarding my counselling, mental health treatment, and the circumstances surrounding this term, including concerns related to the implementation of my academic accommodations. Thank you very much for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
Dalena Sookhoo
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