Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: I appeal today concerning a past course that I believe, due to various circumstances out of my control, I could not perform to my true capabilities. This was in no way due to Miss Menard, who was a very competent in her role as a professor. At the time, I struggled with personal mental health issues and was missing much time from class and practice (as Coach Gibson can attest to). The nature of the course was 2 midterms and a final exam. Due to conflicts with varsity hockey, I had missed both midterms, as we won an OUA title that season and were playing multiple times a week, both at home and on the road. I was left with a 100% final exam, roughly a week and a half after returning from national championships.

Abruptly, my father, who suffers from anxiety, became ill, and I had to move home for the month of April and May. I studied at home and drove to exams while getting little time to study for any of my five exams as my father and brother were dealing with health complications. I also worked full time to support myself, as I have my entire undergraduate degree. I was not prepared for my exams and struggling overall, not just academically. Anxiety runs in my family, which we deal with, however, as evident in my transcript, I did not learn to deal with the issue until only a year or so ago.

Such mental health issues continued into the summer, as my father did not improve, and I remained at home, looking after him while continuing to work. It was not until I finally saw a Doctor in June and was prescribed medication. I saw a doctor online as I was still stigmatized and embarrassed about dealing with my mental health problems.

I have included documentation, including current medical invoices, and am available if any questions arise. I submit this request late, as due to the nature of my current graduate applications, such a mark is nonrepresentative of my last two years at Queen's and due to factors out of my control. I hope you can understand.

Sincerely,
Francesco Vilardi