Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dr. Jill Atkinson,
Associate Dean (Studies)
Arts and Sciences
Student Services,
First Floor Dunning Hall
Kingston, Ontario


Charles Madeira-Shapiro
384 Beresford Ave.
Toronto, Ontario
M6S 3B6
Student Number: 20026370
Student email: 16cdsm@queensu.ca


August 28th, 2017


Dear Dr. Atkinson, Associate Dean (Studies),


This appeal's purpose is to request a credit standing (CR) for the following first year courses completed Winter Term of 2016-2017. The courses were Calculus 121 (Full Year), Physics 117 (Full Year) and Biology 103 (Winter Term).


My first year at Queen's University was difficult and challenging due to medical illnesses, learning disabilities and the difficult anniversary from the loss of my brother. I had not anticipated how my sadness and loneliness would influence my ability to perform academically. On April 12th, 2013 my brother passed away from cancer. I was scheduled to write an exam on the April 13th, and I really was not able to cope because this was the first year that I was alone without any supports. I tried to be responsible and successfully complete first year by moving my exams to write them on a different date. However, I was not able to study and focus effectively, which resulted in poor grades on my exams. I know I am capable of achieving high academic results and I have academic goals which include graduate studies. It is for these reasons that I am appealing for a Credit Standing (CR).


I am registered with the Queens Student Accessibility Services (QSAS), and did meet them a few times. However, I suffered extreme anxiety that resulted in my inability to leave my room and get the help that I needed. Due to the anxiety, I became very isolated and unable to work to my full capabilities.


Throughout first year, I had become very ill with extreme allergies, bronchitis and intense anxiety. In addition, my medication for ADHD was not monitored effectively, and it caused me to have sleepless nights, increased anxiety, and I stopped eating for periods of time. I was new to the university experience, and I could not reach out to any friends or family. These issues made my studies and my writing of exams incredibly dificult, which resulted in the poor academic grades in MATH121 and PHYS117 in both semesters and poor grades from BIOL103 from the Winter semester. I have attached medical documents detailing my illnesses and learning profile.


My extenuating circumstances compounded my problems for second term, which further effected my grades. My ADHD and learning disabilities required a more balanced schedule (including exams and assignments) and more supports. These problems made studying and staying on top of the courses more challenging as they carried over from first term and were magnified and culminated during the anniversary of my brother's death. This prevented me from being in the proper mindset for the writing of the final exams and made it difficult to succeed. I was not able to join study groups or seek extra help due to the isolation these problems caused.


As the Fall 2017-2018 semester is approaching, I am highly motivated to succeed and improve my grades at Queens. During the summer I met with a therapist (Karen Feldman, MSW, RSW) along with my family doctor (Dr. Nahon) to develop a plan for counselling in Kingston and I have met with an educational counsellor (J. Rendley) to review my academic goals. I am planning to take a reduced course load and I am meeting regularly with an Gail Eaton-Smith, a learning strategist at Accessibilities Services to help with planning my weekly study schedule, in order to prevent me from falling behind in my studies. In addition, I will be meeting with a Cognitive Behavioural Therapist (Dr. A. Marin) to help with implementing strategies for my anxiety and my ADHD. I have also been referred to a Family Doctor (Dr. R. Swartz) in Kingston in order to make sure these extenuating circumstances do not happen to me again and to meet regularly to monitor my medication. I believe that with all of these changes, including living in a house with four other students and joining clubs, will help me become a productive student and have a successful second year at Queen's University.


I would appreciate your kind consideration for this request for credit standing. If you require any further information please so not hesitate to email me.


Sincerely


Charlie Madeira-Shapiro