Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Dr. Stephenson, Associate Dean (Studies),

My name is Alexandra Ho, and I am a current Arts and Science student who has just completed my second year at Queen's as a Bachelor of Arts (Honours), Psychology student. Over the past four years of my life, I have experienced, and been receiving treatment for, severe chronic depression. Unfortunately, throughout the first term of this academic year (Fall 2018), I experienced a debilitating flare up of symptoms, where I found myself unable to keep up with both my academic and everyday responsibilities. As a result, my grades were significantly affected. On the basis of psychological impairment, and on the recommendation of an Academic Advising counsellor, I am requesting to drop PSYC271 from my transcript, as well as to replace the grade for PSYC202 with a Credit Standing.

Regarding the timeline of first semester, and the impact of depression upon my grades, I found myself struggling most severely throughout late October until the end of term in December. Throughout this period, I accrued several late penalties on smaller assignments within my PSYC241 and PSYC251 courses, where I had not yet received the documentation necessary to apply for Academic Accommodations with Student Wellness Services. I discussed these circumstances with the respective professors for the impacted courses. Ultimately, the impairments I was experiencing led me finish PSYC271 with a failing grade, and a minimally passing grade in PSYC202. In regards to the specific symptoms I was experiencing, these included: depressed mood, loss of interest in everyday life, disturbed sleep/not sleeping, disturbed appetite, and suicidal thoughts, among others.

As the final grade for PSYC271 (Brain and Behaviour) I was exclusively reliant on three tests, (two midterms weighted at 30 each, and one final weighted at 40), my drop in everyday performance dramatically impaired my ability to be successful in this course. As my symptoms began to progress in severity throughout late October, I was unable to succeed in the PSYC271 Midterm Two on Nov. 1. This same result occurred in the December final exam, where my drop in functioning prevented me from allotting the sufficient capacity needed to successfully complete these two heavily weighted exams. To my disappointment, this resulted in a failing grade. I am requesting to have this failing grade removed from my transcript.

In regards to PSYC202 (Introduction to Statistics), although I passed this course, it was not with a successful grade. Similar to PSYC271, this course had two midterms, where the second one fell within the months of October/November. At this point, my symptoms had reached a debilitating point, at which I found myself physically unable to attend the midterm. Although I was able to complete the core assignments of this course, I was not able to give them the sufficient attention and focus they required, ultimately finishing the class with a poor grade. In consideration of these circumstances, and on the recommendation of Academic Advising, I am requesting to replace this grade with a Credit Standing.

I am able to recognize my poor performance throughout first semester, and accept accountability for the academic consequences that resulted. As things progressively became worse, I tried to reach out for help using Queen's Counselling services, but was informed that there would be a three month wait period for non-emergency mental health appointments, meaning I would be unable to schedule an appointment until what would have been after the end-of-term in December. In February of 2019, while home for Spring reading week, I met with my psychiatrist of approximately four years, where we re-adjusted my treatment plan, including adding a secondary medication. At this point, I also submitted a request for Academic Accommodations, which were granted, and met with an Academic Advisor to discuss my situation. We discussed waiting until the summer break to submit the Academic Appeal, as so I would be able to dedicate sufficient time to the process and to recover from the past academic year.

I know that these grades do not accurately reflect my potential and performance as a student, as I hope is reflected in my first year grades. I am passionate about the Psychology program at Queen's, and hope this is evident in my actions, including holding a position on the Psychology DSC this past academic year. I am truly disappointed and embarrassed in myself for the fall in my grades, and I am confident that moving forward, I will be able to return to the standard of academic excellence I hold for myself, and that Queen's University is recognized for.

Thank you in advance for your time and consideration.

Kindest Regards,
Alexandra Ho