Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: To the Associate Dean, Faculty of Arts and Science, Queens university


A) The Request:

I am requesting the following appeals:

1) Waiver of the 21 day/one term appeal deadline for Econ 232 and Math 126 Winter term 2016

B) Explanation of Extenuating Circumstances

I have been suffering from depression and anxiety since the second half of the Winter 2016 semester. It was at this point in time that my illnesses began to significantly impact my work ability. I didn¿¿t understand what was happening to me at that time and believed it was just the result of stress. I further assumed a break over the summer and a new start would be all that was required but unfortunately that was not the case. My symptoms increased to the point where I was not sleeping, having regular panic attacks and unable to attend most classes. My ability to concentrate, which has been a struggle throughout my life due to my ADHD, was greatly diminished and I found I was unable to study for prolonged periods and trying to remember what I was reading was quite a struggle. Anxiety related to written assignments impacted my ability to complete assignments in most of my courses in the Fall 2016 Semester to the extent where I was completely blocked from writing without suffering panic attacks.

I believe my mental health issue significantly contributed to my inability to complete or perform well in the courses above. I am requesting these appeals so my academic record is not unduly penalized due to these unforeseen and extenuating circumstances. I recognize that I should have made appeals of Econ 232 and Math 126 earlier but did not understand my situation and recognize that I needed help and therefore I didn't see any point in asking for appeals or seeking help. I hope you will allow me the opportunity to write a further appeal for those courses in the future.

C. Future plans

I intend on graduating from Queens University with a degree in Political Science.

My present plan to recover my mental health includes:

I will be and have been seeing my psychologist as needed for this term.
I am on anti-depressants and will continue until advised differently by my psychiatrist.
I will continue to see a counsellor at Student wellness center as needed.
I am planning on meeting with Gail Eaton-Smith as recommended by Mr. Jason Harris at accessibility services.


Plan for Academic program:

At the suggestion of my psychologist I am taking a reduced course load (2 courses), dropping my economics minor and attempting to register in courses that are interesting to me and have a workload and types of assignments that I will be able to manage.


I intend on enrolling in more courses next year and retaking Pols 384 as it is a required course for my degree. With some support from the Political Science department I should be able to complete my course requirements.


Thank-you for your consideration.

Toby Digney