Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: To J. Hugh Horton, Ph.D. and Johanne Bénard, Ph.D

I am writing this letter to appeal the faculty's decision to require my withdrawal from Queen's university for a year. My cumulative GPA is 1.52, less than the minimum 1.6 GPA required to continue when on academic probation. Last year, I decided late in the year that I would like to switch programs from Computing Science to Economics but as I was on academic probation, I was not able to switch programs. I was carrying low grades over from first year into second year that were required for a degree in Computing, but were not required for a degree in Economics, my preferred field. Even now, although I am not officially in the Economics program I have been taking the required classes for a degree in anticipation that I may be able to demonstrate my ability to successfully complete an economics degree. Although I have received sufficient grades to proceed, my past results in computing have resulted in the requirement to withdraw. As my grades stand currently, my cumulative GPA in first year, in a field I did not enjoy, was 1.14 and my GPA for the second year, in my preferred field Economics is 1.865.

I feel under this circumstance, my requirement to withdrawal for a year is punitive as I have been raising my grades and demonstrating that I am capable of continuous improvement. I believe my change in program will further enhance my academic success in the coming years. My plan includes seeking support and extra guidance when necessary, ensuring that I build on my time management skills and study habits. I have also found that this last year has reinforced choice to move from computing to economics and as such, I believe that in this program, I will continue to improve my academic standing. I have been in contact with Harry Smith's office for support and I would be happy to work with the academic advisors in the Faculty of Arts and Science should you find my academic plan requires further refinement. I hope you will find these reasons and plans sufficient to consider this appeal positively.