Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Hi there,

My name is Kayla Maki and I am currently aiming to finish my studies at Queen's University. My overall goal is to go onto a Masters of Social Work after my studies. That is why I took the STAM 200 course, as research methodology is a requirement for admission. However, due to circumstances out of my control, I have been struggling immensely and unable to drop the course within the extended timeframe.

There are two reasons why I have been unable to perform this action. As the COVID-19 pandemic is ongoing, many students are suffering. In my case in particular, I also work in an essential service within a healthcare setting. The stress and changing situations has taken a toll on myself. It was my mistake of performing full-time studies whilst working in a stressful situation.

I also have a history of mental health issues. During my first year at Queen's, I was admitted into the PSYCH WARD at KGH for chronic depression and suicide. Although this was during the exam period in the fall term, I never sought any help (academically) and managed to pass the courses I was in. I am using this story as a preface as I have never academically appealed beforehand- even with extenuating circumstances. My mental health lead to me dropping out of Queen's after my first year to find myself as one would say. During that hiatus, I achieved a diploma in Addictions and Community Service Worker and worked as an addictions counsellor. Needless to say, I realized I had an addiction myself and decided to actively work on it- including my schooling and occupation.

I am very proud of how far I've come despite all these setbacks, but this is yet another curveball in my plan. I have never requested an academic appeal beforehand, and I am asking for this due to my failing mental health and stress levels that I am accurately attributing to the STAM 200 course as one cause. I understand that without the STAM 200 course I will be unable to enter into the MSW program I am hoping for, but this is how desperate I am in this situation. I am willing to completely change my Master's plan in order to save my failing mental health.

Please let me know if you require documentation- I have not sought out medical help for this episode, but I have family members that can vouch for this issue. Although I usually keep these issues to myself, I finally had to confide in someone else.

I can also provide proof of my occupation, if need be.


Thank you for considering,
Kayla Maki