Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Wednesday May 23th, 2018

Associate Dean (Studies)
Student Services, Dunning First Floor
613-533-2470

RE: Appeal letter for CR/AG Request

Dear Associate Dean of Studies,

I am appealing for credit standing (CR) in SOCY403 and SOCY363 (W-2018), and AG standing in SOCY300 (W-2018). Within my final year of study at Queen¿¿s University I experienced significant circumstances out of my control which negatively impacted my ability to preform academically. I have long experienced difficulties with my mental health which include significant flare-ups of OCD and GAD; these flare ups vary in severity but this year peaked at a level of severity I have not experienced since my first year in university. Between my first and final year I had my symptoms under control- I was using my CBT techniques provided to me by my physician as well as through various medications, however extreme family circumstances caused a spike in my symptoms which essentially debilitated me.

I was often too anxious to go to class (I tried to stay caught up on content online and though contact with TA¿¿s) and completing assignments became very difficult. I struggled with completing the most basic of assignments; for SOCY300 and I was unable to complete all of the course work. Although I have only completed approximately 60 of the course work for this course, I have spoken to my professors who have expressed their support for possible AG standing in this course. When everything began to fall apart in February, I felt helpless, however Dr. Forester was able to approve a short term extension for my class assignments which allowed me to successfully complete all of the course work for SOCY403 and pass SOCY363 with only a fail on the final assignment. It was comforting to me that I was able to complete something in its entirety, however the grade I received was not up to my standards. I am usually a solid B+ to A- student and receiving a C/C- was heartbreaking- and is the reason for my application of CR standing in these courses.

It is my plan to continue to consult with my family doctor and other health care providers to keep on top of my mental health. The family stressors have disappeared this time around, however I need to work to make sure that I am better equipped to handle future setbacks. I am taking a year off to work and volunteer with a potential masters supervisor in order to refocus myself and spend time getting back to my mental health baseline. This will allow me to prepare for my (hopeful) Masters Degree in epidemiology as I will be better prepared to handle my anxiety- not just when things are good, but when they are at their worst. My future plans include further education and it is my greatest fear that my set back this year will ruin my chances and I hope that this appeal presents how I was impacted and my game plan moving forward.

Kindest Regards,

Justine Aman
10099091
12jea4@queensu.ca
705-279-9505