Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: I am writing to respectfully submit this petition that requests a Credit Standing consideration for PHIL 296 as to fulfill my final degree requirement. Additionally, I would like to request for a deadline appeal to permit enrolment in MUSC 171 in the Summer semester in the case that my Credit Standing request is not approved.

The basis of my request for Credit Standing is that significant extenuating circumstances beyond my control negatively impacted my academic performance and lowered my final grade in the course. I strongly believe that, under different personal circumstances, I would have been capable of achieving a passing grade in Professor Rutledge-Prior’s course. The coursework I was able to complete throughout the semester demonstrates that I was producing work at a strong and adequate level when I was able to fully engage academically.

The extenuating circumstances that affected my performance was connected to a significant decline in my mental health during previous years. During this period, I have experienced emotionally distressing family issues regarding the damaging nature of my relationship with my parents. This created the challenge of considering estrangement and managing financial support by myself, while attempting to complete my final year which became emotionally overwhelming. The pressure and uncertainty of sustaining a life for myself contributed to exhaustion, worsening anxiety, loss of motivation, and an inability to consistently perform academically. This decline has demonstrated a pattern of history that shows the direct impact a healthy and good quality environment has on my studying. I have been able to use the support I eventually received from Student Wellness Services to pull myself back up to what I know is my true potential. In my initial decline, I went from a GPA less than 1.6 to a 2.6GPA. Unfortunately, progress was not perfect or consistent, and the negative impacts had a lingering effect that influenced my final grade for the one course in Professor Rutledge-Prior’s class.

I continued trying to engage with my coursework and complete my academic responsibilities because I knew that it was up to me to determine how I wanted to finish my final undergraduate career. The assignments I was able to submit demonstrate the level I am capable of producing when my mental health circumstances are more stable. I truly hope I can show that I am a dedicated student who has put their best foot forward but, regrettably, dealt with the pressures of independence in the only way I knew how to at the time.

After speaking with academic advisors, I am also requesting a deadline appeal regarding summer course enrolment. Prior to the release of final grades, I had been conditionally approved for graduation and was fully expecting to complete my degree requirements for Spring convocation. However, I learned that I had not passed PHIL 296 on May 8th and reached out to the professor to respectfully ask whether any further consideration regarding my grade was possible. I understand and respect that the grade cannot be changed at this stage. Therefore, if my request for Credit Standing is not approved, I will urgently require enrolment in a summer course in order to obtain the final credit necessary to graduate as soon as possible.

To support my petition, I have included several pieces of supporting documentation. This includes my correspondence from Professor Mackay confirming permission and support regarding my late enrolment into his course, MUSC 171, as well as communication from Professor Serrin Rutledge-Prior acknowledging my circumstances and affirming the quality of the coursework I was able to complete. I have also reached out to my mental health therapist, Dr Roger Davidson, who has supported my progress in my personal and academic life and can provide a letter of support.

In response to these circumstances, I have also taken meaningful steps to improve my overall well-being. I have researched for new mental health resources in my area for long term support and actively participate in cognitive behavioural therapy and exposure-based strategies I have learned to improve my daily functioning. This includes making intentional efforts to leave the house more regularly, engage in healthier wellness habits, and rebuild social connections by meeting new people and developing new quality relationships. In addition, I have made efforts to reconnect with family members and attempt to improve strained family relationships.

Although this has been an extremely bumpy journey, I remain deeply committed to completing my degree and moving forward to a more stable position in life. I really do believe that the circumstances were not reflective of my true abilities or dedication as a Queen’s student.

Thank you very much for taking the time to review my petition and consider my situation. I sincerely appreciate your understanding, time, and consideration.