Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: To the Associate Dean (Studies),


I am writing to request a change in my grades during the 2014 Fall Semester for my work completed in POLS 385, POLS 280, ENSC 203 and ENSC 390; as I was able to complete some of the required coursework but I was not able to submit required essays due to my health. I am asking that I be given an opportunity to in the alternative to a change in grade to further I am also asking for an extension to the 21 day deadline for the appeal due to extenuating circumstances..


I have been suffering from mental health issues for approximately two years, and during the 2014 Fall Semester these issues became debilitating to the point where I was unable to focus on my studies and unable to leave my apartment . Near the end of the Fall Semester, at the urging of my family,I left Kingston and returned home to Barrie, Ontario due to my health, and in December I received a psychiatric evaluation from Dr. Timothy Bilkey. Please find attached, the assessment and diagnosis from Dr. Bilkey. Unfortunately, Dr. Bilkey was not able to complete his report and provide it to me until January 23rd, 2015. I am asking that in consideration of the diagnosis made by Dr. Bilkey that I be permitted to drop the courses as requested and that the appeal period be waived due to the fact that the doctor¿¿s report was provided to me after the 21 day appeal period had passed.


After seeing Dr. Bilkey, I have taken the following steps to improve my mental health:


1.I taking two medications as prescribed;


2.I met with the Disability Services Office and received academic accommodations from them;


3.I have reduced my course load to three


4.I have connected with a family physician in Kingston who will assist in monitoring my medication and my mental health status while I am at school;


5.I have attended several learning skills workshops; and


6.I am in the process of finding a psychologist to engage in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy in Kingston.



I am asking for an opportunity to drop the courses so as to ensure that my performance in the last semester does not hamper my future academic career. I am happy to report that I have seen an improvement in my academic achievement and mental health this term, and it is my hope that I can successfully complete my degree.


Thank you for considering my appeal. If you require any additional information from me in this regard, please contact me directly.


Yours very truly,


Keenan Aylwin

Student 10008608

0kmta@queensu.ca

705-321-8505