Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Good morning,
My name is Sara Girardi, I have just finished my third-year in the life sciences major at Queen's University and would like to appeal my grades for the following classes: STAT 263, ANAT 215, CHEM 281, BCHM 218, and MICR 221. These five courses were taken during the 2016 Fall and 2017 Winter terms of my second year of university, in which I struggled with severe depression and anxiety, both of which impeded my ability to study sufficiently enough to excel in my courses. During this time, I was prescribed with antidepressants whose side effects made focusing on my studies extremely difficult. Throughout my second year I was unable to perform to the best of my academic ability and would like these grades to be removed from my transcript because I do not believe they represent my capabilities. I have also included a doctor's note that supports this statement.

As can be seen with my third-year grades, my ability to work has significantly improved after changing my prescription to anti-anxiety medication and overcoming depression. I strongly believe that my third-year grades are a much more accurate representation of my academic ability. On top of this, I have also switched into the major program rather than specialization as this program is much better suited for me. Four of the five courses in which I have listed are only mandatory for specialization students, meaning they are no longer core courses for my program, which has further supported my decision to appeal them.

After a year of struggling with severe mental illness, my newfound health has encouraged me to write this letter because I would like my transcript to better represent me moving forward. I do not believe that my grades for STAT 263, ANAT 215, CHEM 281, BCHM 218, and MICR 221 reflect my academic capability and would thus like to appeal them.

Thank you for your time and consideration,
Sara Girardi
10170041
14sg45@queensu.ca