Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Associate Dean,

My name is Karman Wong and I am appealing to drop courses from my second and third year at Queen's University. In the summer before second year, I got into my first relationship with someone who later became very emotionally abusive and controlling. I was diagnosed with anxiety and depression a few years ago and he became my main support system. As time went on, I was not allowed to spend time away from him without agitating him or feeling guilty as a result of the toxicity of this relationship. My grades in second year suffered a lot so I took two summer courses in an attempt to raise my GPA, however was placed on academic probation.

In the beginning of my third year at Queen's University, the relationship ended which was very hard for me to cope with as it triggered the downfall of my anxiety and depression. It was my mistake for not applying for an appeal sooner but I sincerely thought it would get better and I did not anticipate the break up. It was hard for me to leave the house in fear of seeing him, let alone concentrate and focus in classes. I felt extremely unsafe and suicidal and frequently sought help through the Peer Support Centre and at Student Wellness Services.

In the second semester of my third year, my parents informed me that they would be filing for divorce due to irreconcilable differences. As a result, I had to leave Kingston often to help them through this process, while enduring emotional stress from the break up and this divorce; neither of which I have experienced before. I often had anxiety and panic attacks which interrupted my sleeping schedule and made it difficult for me to be consistent in my schoolwork despite my efforts and some professors were gracious enough to allow me to take incompletes in some courses. I wish to appeal GPHY102 from both years, GPHY243, GPHY227, GPHY229, HIST216 and HIST295 and to lift the requirement to withdraw for one year.

This summer, I will be finishing the incomplete credits as well as seeing a counsellor at the Scarborough Women's Centre to help me cope with anxiety, depression and the divorce. My academic plan is to take a semester off in order to have more time for cognitive behavioural therapy sessions, to adjust to antidepressant medication and to support my family through the divorce. Upon returning to school, I aim to take a lighter course load in the following semesters and to take a fifth year at Queen's University. I also plan to visit the Learning Strategies centre in Stauffer Library and in order to improve my work ethic and will be continuing to see a psychiatrist/counsellor throughout the semester to continue working on my mental health.

Thank you for taking the time to read my letter of appeal and please do not hesitate to contact me for any further information.

Sincerely,
Karman Wong