Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Associate Dean of Studies,

I am requesting an appeal for a credit standing in HLTH 230 (Fall ¿¿15), ANAT 315 (Fall ¿¿15), and ANAT 316 (Winter ¿¿16) due to extenuating circumstances that affected my abilities to achieve grades of a higher standard. I was unaware of this option however, had I known this was an option, I would have appealed for a credit standing for my fall courses at an earlier date.

The extenuating circumstances in particular are depression and an emotionally abusive relationship. Depression is something that I have struggled with since I was thirteen, yet was able to manage during my first year at Queen¿¿s due to the provided counselling on campus and external counselling in the Kingston community. During the fall semester of second year, I was not involved in any form of counselling due to pressure from my partner. The increasingly negative relationship and being unable to receive proper treatment for managing my depression affected my ability to concentrate on my studies. I was unable to focus, lacked adequate sleep, lost motivation, and would often be put in situations where I was unable to effectively study. I was highly engaged in these subjects, but was simply not able to perform to the best of my abilities. I know that I have capability to achieve better results, as my other grades reflect as such.

The relationship began in the summer of 2014, but it wasn¿¿t until he moved to Kingston in October of 2015 that the relationship became more emotionally abusive. We lived in the same household and during the fall semester, during the exam period in particular, he would sabotage my efforts to study by insisting I studied at home so he knew what I was doing and could interrupt me when he pleased. I felt very tense during this time and fearful of his controlling actions. I neglected forms of self-care and would often succumb to believing the negative opinions he held about me. I attempted to end the relationship in December of 2015 however, this resulted in further arguments and increased levels of stress. There were mornings where I was unable to go to class as I was emotionally unstable. In the beginning of January 2016, he moved out of the house under protest but was still adamant on staying in contact with me. It was at this time my family advised me to continue counselling with Marlo Craig, my previous counsellor. I began sessions with her, but found it very difficult to move on from my negative experiences, as he was, and still is, living in Kingston. He chooses to intrude on my personal life by interacting with my housemates and friends.

As for the future, I am continuing my counselling with Marlo Craig and have the support of my family in dealing with any future interference from my ex-partner. I will also be seeking help from Linda Williams of the Learning Strategies department at Queen¿¿s. Ensuring that my mental health is not neglected is my first course of action. From there, talking with a personal advisor about my learning habits and how to better cope with heavy course loads will prepare me for third year. I have consulted with an academic advisor to discuss my options for my future, as well as my course load, should I need to retake the courses listed above. I have also contacted my counsellor to provide supporting documentation which will be sent within the following week.

Thank you for taking the time to review this appeal.

Sincerely,
Kierstin Holmberg