Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Associate Dean (Studies),

I am appealing to drop the following courses: from the 2014 fall term, ARTH226; PHIL204; POLS261; POLS280, and from the 2015 winter term, ARTH260; IDIS302; POLS242. Ideally, I would like to be considered for aegrotat standing in at least three of the above courses (ARTH260, IDIS302 ARTH226 & POLS280).

I realize that my performance at Queen's has been somewhat tumultuous since I launched my academic career at the Bader International Study Centre back in 2011. At that time I had faced adversity and felt like I had overcome a great deal and excelled in spite of it. I did not realize how quickly and easily that would change in the coming years.

When I returned to Queen's in the fall of 2014, one year after my Mother's death, I was optimistic that I would regain my usual level of academic achievement and be able to immerse myself fully in my studies. This was not the case. Instead I found myself slipping back into a dark place where motivation and focus for school was just not possible. Still, I went through all the motions- I attended lectures, bought all my books and attempted readings and assignments, but the enormous amount of guilt and bitterness I struggled with was a constant barrier. I tried meeting with professors to receive additional support, but in the end I was so overwhelmed and afraid to fail that I didn't even write a single exam. In hindsight, it was as if I did not want to be successful if my Mother was not there to share in my success, or bear witness to it.

At the time though, I did not want to believe that my extenuating circumstances (the death of my Mother in 2013), still plagued me, and that perhaps the stress of returning to academics before I was ready to do so was too overwhelming. Rather, I believed that I was incapable of completing my undergraduate degree and that I could not be successful under any circumstances. I have since realized that I needed more time to grieve and heal from my Mother's death, and that I am entirely capable of succeeding despite the challenges I've faced and the missteps I've made regarding my academic career.

I moved to Montreal the following year, (2015/2016), to be closer to my Mother's family and to receive the support and time I needed to properly grieve. I decided not to get counselling, preferring to work through my issues in my own way. For that reason I do not have any documentation beyond the obituary showing when my Mother died, which I included with my previous appeal.

I have included as supporting documentation an email written by my Grandmother who supports my academic goals. I also have some correspondence with Dr. Hoeniger, the professor of ARTH260 at the time, and from the professor of IDIS302, Arig al Shaibah, which I believe highlight my efforts to some degree.

Coming back to Queen's this year has been an amazing experience. I feel passionate about learning again and a renewed enthusiasm for academics. In the future I hope to complete a Masters in social work, or write the LSAT and go to law school. I believe in myself and Queen's has played an integral role in shaping my potential.

Over the past six years I have incurred a significant amount of student debt trying to complete my undergraduate degree but during this time I have also learned many valuable lessons and gained critical thinking skills, both within the classrooms at Queen's University and beyond. While I am extremely grateful for the opportunities I have been given and the education I have received so far, I am eager to complete my undergraduate degree and see what other opportunities lay ahead.

I appreciate your consideration in this matter and the continued support from Queen's community.

Sincerely,

Charlotte Webb
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