Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: I am appealing to drop Chemistry and have the grade removed from my transcript.
I suffer from anxiety and depression. I have been on medication for 2 years and saw a therapist regularly. It was under control going into university and I did not think I needed more help. However, the challenges of first year were overwhelming both academically and socially.
The first setback was having mononucleosis in first term. See medical note. I was very sick, bedridden and had to go home for a few weeks. I missed many hours of lectures, tutorials and labs. I was unable to write the first set of midterms and I was unable to attend important social events. Consequently, some of my Christmas exams were weighted more heavily and it took some time to get caught up on my academics. Sadly I lost those initial friends that I had made.
I felt isolated in residence and struggled to connect with others. I was ashamed because my mental issues were growing and I hid it from those around me. I felt like an outsider in my program (Kinesiology).
The stress from these events triggered my illness to resurface. My anxiety levels increased. I felt alone and immobile. I worked as hard as I could but did not achieve the academic success I felt my effort deserved. This was extremely discouraging and further sent me in a downward spiral. I could not get the help I needed. I was sleeping all the time. All I could manage was getting out of bed each day to attend my classes and labs. My academics were suffering, particularly writing exams. The test anxiety I was experiencing was debilitating.
When I was at home suffering with mono, I saw my physician both at his office and at my home. I had medical tests done. I spoke with my academic advisor Anna Van Der Meulen during this time and notified all my professors. After receiving my Christmas marks I followed up with Ana again. I was disappointed in my results and I followed her suggestions to seek help at SASS specifically attending essay writing workshops and one on one sessions for exam writing strategies. I did not disclose to Anna that I was suffering emotionally as well. I thought that if I did what she suggested my marks would improve and then I would feel better. I put my psychological issues aside.
When I got home in April I had no choice but to confront my marks and my illness once again. It was extremely frustrating to see that all my time and effort studying had little to no impact on my marks. Failing Chemistry was devastating to me, Chemistry was supposed to be my elective. It was not required as a part of my program but I chose to take it because sciences were part of my interest and I was hoping to further my career path in sciences.
With the support of my parents I have been able to get help. I have seen my doctor again, see medical note, and I am in touch with a life coach to help me with my life goals. I have
strengthened my social network to gain additional personal support. I am continuing to take my antidepressant medication and I am back in counselling with my therapist. I am feeling more stable and I am working on my Academic Plan.
I spoke with Joyce Hunter, an academic advisor in the Faculty of Arts and Sciences and she strongly suggested that I apply for accommodations and an appeal to drop Chemistry. I have now been approved for accommodations with QSAS. After speaking with Karen Stevenson at QSAS she supports my request for this appeal.
I have also spoken again with Anna Van Der Meulen my academic advisor in Kinesiology, and we have developed a reduced workload for next year. We also discussed taking courses that are more suited to my strengths and where I will be more likely to have success. When the course calendar is available she will help me finalize my choices and schedule for September.
Dealing with depression and anxiety away from home and without my support system was difficult. I realize now I will need to have ongoing professional help at Queens. In addition, I will be living close to campus with other students who understand my illness and can offer me their support. I am still motivated to continue my education at Queens and I realize it may take me longer to accomplish my goals.
I know I cannot erase my whole academic first year but I am hopeful that my appeal will be granted. I feel strong enough to persevere through this challenge and look forward to my second year at Queens University.