Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: To whom it may concern,

Request:

I am writing to request an extension to the appeal timeline (one term) to request an Aegrotat standing for my first year Physics course.

Explanation of Extenuating Circumstances:

The extenuating circumstances which resulted in the delay for the request, include my struggle with depression and ADHD and my disappointment in my ability to excel at university. I had an episode of significant seasonal depression during my first year of university which resulted in the loss of my two math classes and a D grade in physics. I was performing well during the first term and then had significant difficulty maintaining my academic success in second term when the depression set in.

During the summer of 2015, I avoided dealing with the poor grade and failed classes as I was embarrassed and down from my lack of success at school and discouraged that the depression had such an impact on my marks. Unfortunately, during the 2015-2016 academic year (the term following my grade), the depression became much worse. I struggled to get out of bed most days, making it impossible to get to class or to advocate on my own behalf to request or make changes to my marks.

I was unable to focus on the work that I was required to do for the courses I was enrolled in at the time, no matter try to figure out what had to be done to fix a mark on my transcript. I contacted my mom near the beginning of November as I saw myself really beginning to struggle and we went to the doctor who diagnosed me with depression. I tried medication for depression but it did not help me. I also tried a higher dose at the doctor¿¿s suggestion, but once again, it did not seem to help, but to the contrary, made it worse, causing extreme fatigue. I became more discouraged and by the end of February, I was so far behind that I could not catch up. I realized that I was way behind and did not have the energy, focus or motivation to catch up and became further overwhelmed and discouraged. I had a panic attack at that time so I again called my mom to come and ending up returning to home with her.

Now that I have had the opportunity to attend the Amen clinic in New York, NY, and have developed coping strategies, started medication etc, I feel I have the energy and ability to sort out my academic history and future needs, so that is why I am asking for an extension to appeal for an Aegrotat standing in my physics grade from first year.

Future Plan:

I was fortunate to attend the Amen clinic in New York, NY in May and was identified with ADHD and depression at that time. A comprehensive therapy plan was created and recommended and I have been working to implement it this summer.

I would like to do what I can to straighten out my transcript and to have a successful academic year this year, with the support of Queen¿¿s Student Assistant Services and my parents.

Thank you,

Thomas Parker