Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Dr. Jenn Stephenson,

To begin, I would like to thank you for taking the time to read through and acknowledge my letter of appeal, as well as apologize for having to contact you due to my extenuating circumstances and current academic standing. I am appealing to drop the following three courses after the last official date for dropping classes; CISC 110, MATH 111, and ECON 110.

I am well aware of the heightened struggle in my academic performance I have gone through over the past year. The most significant reasoning behind my struggle in academic performance put concisely, is my mental health. I have been suffering from depression for quite some time in my life, but it was not until the start of this school year that these major depressive states had such a negative impact on my academics. I understand that ultimately it is my sole responsibility in how I succeed, and do not intend to use depression as an excuse for my failures throughout my academic success, however it is something I live with that affects all my actions in life. I rarely ever discuss these issues with anyone besides very close relatives, and on occasion, when these major depressive states become too overwhelming, with a mental health counsellor. Thus, I would like to try discussing how far this complex state of mental health is affecting me at the best of my ability. The most prominent factor affecting my mind on a day to day basis is the unmotivated and useless feeling of my efforts. Not only was this feeling of futility altering the responsibility I have over my academic capability to a high degree, but it also trapped me in a downward spiral of self-destruction. This spiral began in early October and led to the missing of attendance, the neglect of essential meals, and the absence of important assessments even to this day. This does not mean that I view these responsibilities as unimportant, instead that I felt any efforts I made would not seem to alter the situation I was in. Although this feeling of futility has distorted the way I act, I recognize that it is truly never too late to improve myself and my efforts in life to become the successful student and person I aspire to be. I have recently spoken to Allison LaVigne, an Art and Science counsellor, about these issues I face, as well as visiting my family on open weekends for their support. I seek to become this responsible student and adult for my future success in academics and life itself.

Taking my mental health into account, my plan for substantial academic improvement and success, given that my appeal is granted, starts with signing up for Queen's Student Accessibility Services, attending monthly counselling service at Student Wellness Services during my time at Queen's, as well as seeking out KW Counselling Services for my time spent at home in the summer. This will help me learn the extra steps I need to take in dealing with my mental health as well as learning how to cope with it in a successful matter. The next step in my plan includes speaking to an academic advisor again with a better knowledge of my plans to switch into the faculty of computing. This means discussing my best options for becoming academically successful, as well as setting a realistic course plan utilizing the faculty's course calendar for my future years. The final step of my plan entails going to study groups, receiving tutoring if need be, and finishing my school work in the libraries on campus; solidifying the importance of school work to completion before returning home. Not only will I seek this better academic environment and support, but I will also speak to professors after classes if I need extra help to achieve the fullest potential of success in my courses. This has been difficult for me due to my earlier discussed mental health and that I realize their time is valuable, but I also understand it is their job to help students seeking assistance.

I would like to thank you once again for taking the time to read my letter of appeal and understanding the difficult situation I am living in. I look forward to hearing back from you, the Associate Dean, with your response.

Sincerely,

Norman Josh LeBlanc