Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Appeals Representative, Associate Dean (Studies),

I am requesting Credit Standing for the entirety of my second-year courses (Fall 2017, Winter 2018) or at least in PSYC 202 and 203 so that I may continue in my pursuit of a Psychology degree from Queens University. I did not seek help, or guidance in this matter until this past summer (2019) for a variety of personal reasons.

I chose to study Psychology because of the effect it has had on my family. My father has been taking anxiety medication since the age of 22, and my brother, since the age of 13. My father has always instilled a no excuses attitude in me and my brother, hence why I have been so reluctant to write this appeal. Now in my 4th year at Queens, and looking to complete my degree, I am facing many difficulties due to what occurred during my second year.

My grandfather passed away rather unexpectedly while travelling in Italy, and within the span of a month my grandmother followed. This had a profound effect on me, as my grandfather had been the closest and most influential person in my life. It also had a profound effect on my mother. I spent time away from school, helping her deal with the grief, while also suppressing my own as I Looked to be that warrior my father described to me so long ago. I missed labs, lectures, tutorials all due to the lack of motivation that so often goes along with grief, and depression. I spent time comforting my mother, and when I could myself, virtually do no work due to feelings of depression. I distinctly remember the men's hockey coach asking me why I kept skipping workouts and practices. I just didn't feel like leaving the house at all that year, for school or hockey and I remember thinking, I don't even like playing hockey right now, at the time. My entire life hockey was the one thing I always loved, but that year, even hockey was not fun for me. Juggling these things affected me mentally, and physically. I failed a class for the first time in my life, and looking back now, I don't know how I didn't fail all 6 of those classes.

At the same time that year, my brother was dealing with a potentially career-ending injury at the age of 18. He had nerve damage that was not improving and threatened both his career and overall health. He had just moved to California, and my father spent much of the year visiting him. This combination of circumstances, as much as I hate to admit it, had a profound effect on my academics. I dropped courses and went to a bare minimum of 3 classes per semester. As with many who deal with mental health issues, I do not feel 100 yet comfortable talking about it and reverted to simply staying in isolation. I did not feel comfortable attending tutorials and having to speak with others, however I did attend lectures when I was feeling up to it. I have taken a step in writing this appeal, the first true time I've opened up about that year aside from with family. The feelings I experienced, and toll that whole year took on me was something I could not imagine and has led to long term consequences both for my grades, but more importantly my mental health.

I am in no way making excuses for my grades; however, I do know that these events played a huge role in the extreme dip in academics during my second year. I did not even consider appealing as during the following months that followed, I did not want to talk about my circumstances, especially opening up and using them to change grades. I lied to my parents about my grades, not wanting to bring more disappointment at the time. I was also unaware that formal grades could be appealed, however, my counselor stated I had grounds for an appeal, and that it is imperative for me to complete my degree within the next two years. As a mature student coming out of the OHL when I started at Queens, I am now 24 years old and feel behind.

This year I elected to leave the Men's Hockey team to focus on school. I joined Hockey Helps The Homeless a committee on campus which raises money for the Kingston youth Shelter. I cannot change my past; however, I have focused on improving my grades this year, having already improved my GPA first semester. I have been spending much of the week at the library and have only missed 2 classes all of first semester. I look forward to further improving this semester and hopefully attending a graduate program here at Queens in the future.

I have attached death certificates for my grandfather (Mother's side), my father's prescriptions, and a brief article detailing my brother's circumstances at the time. I do not feel comfortable releasing my personal history, I hope you can understand. Again, I regret having to take this route, however, I understand it is in my best interest. I request this information remain confidential. I am available if any questions arise and would be more than happy to discuss in person.

I thank you for your consideration and look forward to hearing from you. I apologize for the length of this letter.

Francesco Vilardi




https://theathletic.com/730844/2018/12/23/from-special-to-injured-gabe-vilardis-return-from-back-woes-have-no-timetable/