Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dean of Associate Studies,

I would like to request an appeal to waive the 21-day deadline to drop unsuccessful courses from my transcript, since the year of 2013. There are multiple courses that I have not completed and therefore received a letter grade F, those of which I wish to drop. As for the courses I have passed ¿¿ I would like to receive credit standings for them instead. In addition, I previously submitted a request to waive the 21-day deadline to appeal the decision of a 1-year withdrawal from the faculty of Arts and Science, which was approved in late August. That being said, I would like to further the process, and appeal the decision of a 1-year withdrawal from my current program.

As you are already aware of my extenuating circumstances due to past appeals, I have overcome many challenges after enduring a serious head injury in the first few months of studying at Queen¿¿s. With my head injury came many trips to the doctor, concussion specialists, neurological doctors and psychiatrists for multiple scans and assessments. After some assessment, I was finally labeled with clinical depression as a result of the injury and lack of ability to do the simplest tasks. Later on, I was prescribed anti-depressants to counter-act my symptoms, which consisted of constant drowsiness, migraines, fatigue, lack of motivation, tantrums, light sensitivity as well as several cognitive roadblocks, which prevented me from attending classes, tests, and even exams. As you can imagine ¿¿ completing something as simple as getting out of bed or showering was deemed an accomplishment for me for the following two and a half years after the incident. Unfortunately, it was not until December of 2015 when I finally came to my senses and realized that the medication, which I was prescribed, was nothing but a temporary bandage that wasn¿¿t healing my problems ¿¿ instead just numbing the pain. Once I came to this realization I approached my doctor and insisted I be removed from the anti-depressants immediately. I can now happily say that I have been medication free and depression free for exactly one year ¿¿ and I could not be happier to admit it. I believe strongly that all that happened to me over my ¿university career¿¿ was much out of my control ¿¿ and I by no means, want that to define my path and success in the future.

After taking this year off of study, I have taken the time to reflect, heal, and discover what I am truly passionate about ¿¿ which is overcoming challenges. My plan for the future is quite simple yet unique given my current situation. Considering I have less than 24.0 postsecondary units, I have the opportunity to apply to universities with my high school grades. However ¿¿ my understanding is that this will only be possible if my requests are approved and my transcript is cleared. The faculty that sparks my interest the most is none other than the Engineering program at Queen¿¿s. This program initially caught my attention back in first year ¿¿ which I later hoped to be an internal transfer. Sadly, due to these unfortunate events, that was no longer possible. My only wish is for you to consider giving me a second chance here at Queen¿¿s, the school that I love so much. I would be broken hearted for my future to be defined by an injury, which was out of my control.

The reason why I did not submit an appeal sooner (within the 21-day deadline) was simply because I was not well enough to make the important decision, as well as waiting for the Doctor¿¿s approval to return. After so many failed attempts I had no idea if I was ready to return to postsecondary study. Now, I can proudly say, with much confidence that I am mentally, physically and emotionally ready to return.


Thank you
Sarah Seguin
10099158