Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Rachael Heleniak
10140236
April 21, 2019


Dear Associate Dean,

This letter is intended to appeal my grade in POLS 469 (Winter 2018). Throughout this appeal you'll read my explanation for appealing POLS 469, and why this request hasn' been made until now. I thank you in advance for reading my letter, and I hope you'll understand my reasoning.

In the winter semester of 2018, I was enrolled in Professor Kim Nossal's POLS 469 course. It was my final required fourth-year seminar I needed to graduate. At the time I was the Head Manager of the Printing & Copy Centre at Queen's working 35+ hours a week. I thoroughly enjoyed the course, however, my mental health was diminishing as a result of substance abuse. Near the end of the semester, I applied for a position with the AMS as the Director of Communications, with a 40hour per week commitment. With my current job at the P&CC as well as transitioning into my new role and enrolled in 4 courses (to improve my GPA), I was overwhelmed. School has always been my priority, however, I was focused on working to sustain myself financially. I attended some of the seminars throughout the semester, however, when it came to my final presentation in the final weeks of the semester I was in a place where my mental health and substance abuse prevented me from performing as a student. I notified Professor Nossal apologizing that I would not be able to complete the final presentation in class. After back and forth emails with Professor Nossal, he provided me with options to either complete the course in the summer or appeal the grade. He said he would support my decision.

After meeting with Rina Gupta, the Director of Counseling Services at Student Wellness, I began meeting with a counselor and occupational therapist. The combination of both professionals was extremely helpful in deterring me from substance abuse, improving my mental health, and establishing priorities to balance work and school life. I was able to maintain my grades in my other three courses, however POLS 469 demanded of me intellectual dedication that I was unable to provide given my physical and mental state. Since then, I've been able to resolve my personal issues and succeed in my new job as well as maintain my grades in only four courses this year.

Since the summer of 2018, I was intending on completing the appeal process after meeting with Academic Services, until I was faced with an extenuating circumstance. During the summer I was the primary support for a friend who had very poor mental health. This situation resulted in visiting the hospital, dangerous situations and even speaking with the Kingston Police and Campus Security on multiple occasions. Once this situation was resolved and I received support from Lindsay Winger. Until, once again, I was in a position where I was the primary support for another friend who faced similar mental health issues. Learning from my first experience as primary support, I was less involved in supporting my second friend. Aside from this involvement, I also was very involved in high-stress situations at my workplace that involved potential lawsuits. This accumulation of events throughout this past year compiled and was difficult to manage. However, I focused on completing my courses.

Throughout my five years at Queen's I have been heavily involved in extracurricular activities and student government, more then I'd like to admit. I always attempted to stay focused on my education, however, in the last year and a half I was dealt with extenuating circumstances, which impacted my studies and mental health. Since dealing with these circumstances I have learned, grown and realized the importance of prioritizing my education as well as my own physical and mental health. This is thanks to the support of the University administration and counselors at Student Wellness Services.

I'd like to thank you for reading this appeal letter and taking the time to review my request. My intention for my final year has been to contribute to the Queen's community through my job, while saving money, improving my GPA and taking a fourth-year seminar to graduate. I just confirmed a new job starting May 1st on Parliament Hill, and will hopefully be attending a law school next year. If this appeal is granted, I will not only feel justified in the experiences I endured but also aid in my overall GPA before applying to law schools. I thank you again, and please do not hesitate to let me know if you have any further questions.


Best,

Rachael Heleniak