Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Appeal Letter: Dear Board of Studies,
I am appealing the Associate Dean's decision to deny my appeal to drop the following courses: ECON 212 (Fall 2020), ECON 255 (Fall 2020), MATH 221 (Fall 2020) and, STAT 464 (Winter 2020).

My appeal was denied because appeals are not used to manage a chronic condition. I want to further clarify the extenuating circumstances that I experienced only in the year of 2020 which led me to miss the drop deadlines. Originally, I did not include the details of the events that occurred in 2020 because I was advised by my academic advisor that the issues are sensitive and therefore, I do not need to disclose specific events or details. Although I do struggle with my mental health, the events that took place in 2020 along with issues that arose due to Covid-19 affected my mental health extremely negatively. I was experiencing immense pressure and stress in the year of 2020, which was further intensified due to the Covid-19 pandemic. In 2020, I was in a very abusive relationship. There was a lot of mental and emotional abuse that occurred. My previous partner would say very negative and discouraging things to me daily. For example, he said the following: He hopes that my life is full of disappointment, but no disappointment will be bigger than the disappointment that I am. Furthermore, he would frequently get upset and start aggressive arguments with me that would last all day. For example, if he got upset with me for dropping my food by accident during lunch, the argument and anger wouldn't stop till 9 pm in the evening. Due to the pandemic, he was also residing with me which made it very difficult for me to leave the situation. I was very exhausted from the frequent abuse and altercations. When I would finally manage to calm him down, he would break down and get very emotional. This rollercoaster was emotionally and mentally draining for me as well. Furthermore, I was unable to visit family and friends due to the pandemic. I was isolated from any positive support. I felt a lot of stress being around this individual as well as financial stress as neither of us were able to work during the pandemic. Therefore, we did not have a source of income until the government aid was implemented. Furthermore, the arguments frequently became physically abusive. One particular argument escalated where I had to rush to the hospital. He had picked up a knife, threatening me and ended up slicing my fingers. As a result, I had to get stitches. All the things that were being said to me and done to me deteriorated my will to live and caused a lot of depression and anxiety. I was not able to share these details with anyone and did not feel comfortable sharing it with a physician either as I was ashamed and scared.

Firstly, I have taken some time off from school to focus on my mental health following these events. I have an academic plan for the upcoming year that I have created with the help of my academic advisor. I have created this academic plan as part of my appeal to register with debt. I have also created a plan to pay the outstanding fees to Queen's University. I am doing so by saving money from my current employment. I am currently enrolled in my desired major: Mathematics. I understand that the remaining requirements of my General Mathematics Degree consists of electives. I have met with my academic advisor who has encouraged me to enroll in some of the mathematics courses that focus on the topics that I enjoy. I do not find the material too difficult. I can perform well when not under immense stress and pressure. Furthermore, I genuinely enjoy mathematics. Also, my current academic counselor is very positive, supportive, and encouraging. I feel that this is very beneficial to me as she provides the necessary positive reassurance that I did not previously have. Furthermore, I now consult with her when making academic decisions as she provides helpful advice and resources to me. Moving forward, I am solely focused on my academic performance and my career goals. I am confident that I will be able to dedicate the necessary time and effort into my courses/exams now that I am not in an emotionally and mentally draining relationship. Lastly, I not only have savings from my current employment, but I have already qualified for OSAP funding and have also increased my credit score by paying a lot of my previous debt. As a result, I have more funds available to me through my student line of credit and credit cards. Moving forward, I strongly feel that I will be able to perform as per my potential.