Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: July 12th, 2017

Dear the Associate Dean (Studies),

I am writing to appeal final grades in STATS 263 - Introduction to Statistics and PSYC 221 - Introduction to Cognition for the Winter Semester 2017 and apply for Credit Standings. This letter outlines challenging personal circumstances I was faced with, how it impacted my academic performance as well as my plans to address changes necessary for the upcoming school year. I have enclosed a letter from my Physician and Mother for supporting documentation for this appeal.

I am a keen dedicated student interesting in completing my degree at Queens University. Unfortunately, during the 2017 Winter semester I was confronted with stress and mental health issues pertaining to changes within my family that were unexpected and extremely difficult to manage while I was in Kingston pursuing my academics. I felt deep signs of stress including sleep deprivation, lack of ability to focus and bouts of anxiety. I made every effort I could to prepare for the workload that was required to do well but my mental health prevented me from performing to my previous ability. In returning home my family and I realized the severity of the circumstances as I have a history in mental health challenges.

My efforts to combat the issues I was faced included speaking to friends, planning long study periods in the library, and asking for help from peers and time with tutors. My challenges lasted from late December 2016 later accelerating through the entire winter semester 2017.

During this difficult time, I attempted to stay on academic track by going to Stauffer Library each evening and attending classes. I managed to meet deadlines for assignments but the added of personal challenges and mental health issues prevented me from performing preparing adequately for midterms and exams. During March of winter semester 2017, my mental health challenges became increasingly difficult to overcome. This prevented me from completing the steps needed in order to have properly prepared for exams.

Since returning from Winter Semester I have consulted my physician for support and mental resources. The following is a summary of my future plans to achieve academic success in the upcoming fall 2017 semester:

- I will be consistently meeting a counselor in Kingston starting September 2017
- I will set up regular meetings with arts and science academic advisors
- Prepare a more manageable course load - will be taking a Pass/Fail course Fall 2017
- Attend learning strategy workshops offered by Queen's
- Organize a tutor for the demanding courses that I feel I need

I love attending Queens University and I take my academic goals seriously. My vision is to return to Queens in September 2017 learning from this experience and following through on what it will take to meet my academic and personal goals.

Thank you for your consideration of this appeal

Sincerely,

Haley Zsolt