Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Kyle Ainslie
S/N: 10188151
Cell: 613-720-0729
Email: 14ka42@queensu.ca

July 24, 2019
Dean Sue Blake
99 University Ave
Kingston, Ontario, K7L 3N6

Dear Dean Blake,
This is an appeal to have my requirement to withdraw for one year waived.
My goal is to graduate from Queens with a degree in Economics, and I am determined and committed to completing my degree at Queens. However, I have struggled with anxiety issues throughout my last four years, and feel strongly that losing a year will very negatively impact my ability to come back a year later to complete my degree.
Over my last 4 years at Queens I have come to realize that my anxiety issues usually come out during periods of examination, and other emotional situations that my mind deems stressful. During second year, I realized that I needed help with my anxiety, and by third year I registered with QSAS and felt that I was making good progress with managing my anxiety. I believed that I would be able to successfully expand my course load from 3 courses to 5, to make better progress at reaching my academic goal to get my degree.
My expanded 5 course work load proved to be too much for my anxiety challenges and this past year did not go as planned. I should have appealed within the timeline to drop 2 courses, which should have circumvented a probation issue, however I was dealing with another emotionally stressful situation at home with a family member being diagnosed and dying of cancer, and missed the cut-off timeline.
At this point, I propose to take only 3 courses per term, for the next three semesters. I realize that a 3 course load is what I can realistically handle to succeed at Queens. Also, to reduce my stress and anxiety I plan to take any of the remainder of my courses, when possible, online and remotely from home, where I will have additional emotional support from my family during any anxiety episodes.
I am appealing that you waive my requirement to withdraw for one year so that I can continue to enrol in 3 courses per term until I have successfully completed my degree. I truly believe that with this academic plan, I will be able to reach my goal of graduating from Queens with a degree.
Thank you for your understanding and assistance with my appeal. It is truly appreciated.
Sincerely yours,

Kyle Ainslie