Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Hello Dr. Atkinson,

I am writing this letter of appeal to request Credit Standing (CR) in the following courses: ECON 110B (Winter 2018), GPHY 247 (Winter 2018), HIST 121B (Winter 2018), POLS 110B (Winter 2018).

All of the above-mentioned courses have been affected by personal struggles related to mental health and medication I was taking, in a way that does not represent my academic capabilities. Although the issues had started towards the end of my first semester at Queen¿¿s, up until which my grades were consistent and securely in the passing range, I had not faced the reality of how much I was struggling until late into my second semester. If you have access to my grade progression in my courses, you can see this dip very clearly. I was able to keep up in certain courses, but still fell behind overall. The documentation attached details the severity of the circumstances, and the long path to recovery I have had to take to get back to a place where I can fulfill my work to the standards I am able to achieve, and the university expects of me. Throughout the last month of the semester, I began the process to get help through professional channels and working with the university. I began by meeting with the crisis counsellor at the Student Wellness Center, and had multiple weeks of counselling there towards the end of the semester. I also met with all of my professors and the majority of their TA¿¿s to discuss my options moving forward and how I could best complete the remaining course work to pass all my courses. I was able to complete all of my assignments with extensions that were given to me, and that way I managed to pass all of my courses. However, with my GPA being as low as it is, I have been very limited as to the academic plans that are accessible to me. With Credit Standing in my courses, I would no longer have an ¿¿Honours Warning¿. I aim to work my way to a place where I will be able to have political science as a major, and will put in the effort this upcoming year to make that a reality.

Moving forward at Queen¿¿s, I am committed to continuing the healthy habits and routines I have begun, along with professional help that I will organize prior to the begin of the next semester. This way I will be able to receive grades that better reflect my abilities, and that are in accordance with the expectations of the University. I also will consider taking a reduced course load, as I have transfer credits from CEGEP that serves as a buffer. I am currently working a summer job that is a 8-5 at a large company that will help me gain more skills that will be useful to use towards my education moving forward. Overall, I am committed to focusing on my education and my health to ensure that I can graduate with a standing and degree that reflects my capabilities and interests.

If you require any additional documentation, please do not hesitate to reach out to me. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Matthew McKenzie - 20054048