Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Dr. Michael Kawaja,

I am appealing to receive Credit Standing for ANAT 215 and CHEM 281 (Fall 2015) as a result of psychological challenges beyond my control.

At the beginning of my second year at Queen's I started experiencing symptoms of anxiety, such as inability to concentrate, difficulty with sleep, frequent panic attacks, and isolation, which led to a diagnosis of anxiety/depression by my family doctor, Dr. George Chalmers. Soon after the symptoms began I sought help from Dr. Ngo at Queens Health Services, who recommended I try Queen's Student Academic Success Services because my academics were already starting to become affected. I tried many different study strategies recommended to me by this service, including working in groups, implementing the 45/15 rule and considering a variety of study locations. Dr. Ngo also recommended I try Queen's Counselling Services and I immediately made an appointment to see them. Ultimately, I was unable to concentrate on my coursework; specifically, I had difficulty completing readings, focusing on text, and retaining and memorizing information. I dropped activities outside of my core coursework including the Queen's Performance Salsa Team, MEDLIFE, and intramural soccer and even had to make tough decisions on prioritizing studying between the classes I was taking because of the extra time I needed to absorb even the simplest concepts.

I am still overcoming my symptoms of anxiety/depression but I am confident that I can rise above these personal challenges and return to high academic standing as well as extracurricular involvement in my remaining years at Queen's University.

Personally
- I am regularly meeting with Cathy Touzel, a personal counsellor, in private practice
- I am seeing my family doctor, as well as Dr. Ngo at Queen's Health Services
- I am consulting with Katherine Morrisey from Queen's Academic Advising
- I am implementing a regular exercise routine per the recommendation of the doctor
- I am following a regular sleep schedule per the recommendation of the doctor

Academically
- I am being tutored in CHEM 282 and BCHM 218 by ASUS tutors to not only catch up with the class, but get ahead
- I am meeting with professors during office hours to seek help
- I am planning out my study schedule ahead of time, acknowledging that it will take me longer to grasp concepts than in the past
- I am re-watching lectures posted on Helix and the Queens Life Science website

I have aspired to become a doctor since I was three years old, and I have not been deterred by these setbacks. In fact, beginning to overcome these challenges has shown me firsthand how much of a difference a doctor can make. Medical school applications are academically competitive, and I would not want extenuating circumstances such as these to jeopardize my ability to follow my passion. I appreciate your consideration of this matter.

Sincerely,

Alexandra (Ola) Lemanowicz