Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: July 18, 2018

Justin F. Smith
2642 25th Street SW
Calgary, AB Canada
T3E-1X8

Dr. Johanne Bénard
Associate Dean (Studies)
Faculty of Arts & Science
Queen¿¿s University
94 University Avenue
Kingston, ON Canada
K7L 3N6

RE: Academic Appeal of RTW3

Dr. Bénard:

Pursuant to ¿3.3.9.2 of the Appeal Regulation contained in the 2018-19 Academic Calendar, I am writing to appeal the Faculty of Arts and Science¿¿s decision requiring me to withdraw from Queen¿¿s University for a minimum of three years (effective April 30, 2008). More than 10 years have passed since this decision was made, and after considered reflection, I am confident in my ability to return to my studies, contribute productively as a member of the Queen¿¿s community, and finally complete my undergraduate degree.

A mere cursory review of my transcript will illustrate that my time at Queen¿¿s over the course of 2003 to 2008 was a challenging one. I have come to learn that my positive performance in high school was less a reflection of my diligence and commitment as a student than a result of the structured, well-regulated environment one benefits from while living at home with one¿¿s parents. In transitioning to post-secondary education, I neglected to invest the time and attention required to develop proper study habits and failed to take my new role as an independent student seriously. Predictably, my prior level of academic success did not translate in a new, less-structured environment, and my performance steadily worsened, ultimately resulting in the Faculty¿¿s decision requiring me to withdraw. Being a good student at Queen¿¿s is hard work, as it should be. But I did not fully appreciate this fact, and when confronted with its reality, I failed to muster the determination that success required.

In building a career over the ten years since my withdrawal from Queen¿¿s, I have been fortunate enough to have been exposed to a variety of experiences and responsibilities that have afforded me the opportunity to build and practice the skills I so clearly lacked as a student. I have held progressively senior positions in the field of public policy and government affairs, success at which has required me to develop a level of discipline and determination that will serve me well in returning to my studies. These experiences have honed my time management, leadership, and critical thinking skills to a point where I feel confident in my ability to successfully complete my undergraduate education.

Since leaving Queen¿¿s, the institution has advanced its continuing and distance studies offering considerably, affording me the opportunity to complete a Bachelor of Arts degree fully online while maintaining my current professional and family responsibilities. After speaking with academic advising professionals at Queen¿¿s over the course of the past few months, I have decided to pursue a B.A. in Liberal Studies (see ¿¿Academic Plan¿). This program takes advantage of the credits I have already successfully earned, aligns neatly with my own professional and intellectual interests, and allows me to work through the remaining degree requirements at my own pace with a desire to complete the program in roughly two years time.

For your review, I have enclosed a detailed ¿Academic Plan¿¿ that summarizes a pathway to successful degree completion, as well as a copy of my CV detailing my professional experiences since last attending Queen¿¿s. In the course of adjudicating this matter, please do not hesitate to contact me should you require any additional information. I look forward to your decision, as well as the potential to not only return to, but call myself a graduate of, Queen¿¿s University.

Regards,




Justin F. Smith