Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Dr. Atkinson:

I am appealing to request credit standing in the following courses: PSYC 333 Human Sexuality, BIOL 339 Animal Physiology, BIOL 330 Cell Biology, PSYC 332, Health Psychology, BIOL 350 Evolution and Human Affairs, BIOL 303 Community & Ecosystem Ecology, IDIS Race and Racism, PSYC 398 Select Topics in Psychology, BIOL 322 Environmental Physiology of Animals, PSYC 351 Social & Emotional Development. I am appealing these courses due to the extenuating circumstances I was dealing with prior to the 2014-2015 academic year and during that academic year.

My severe symptoms started in my first year of university, 2012-2013. I came to terms with the fact that my family had abused me. Due to this realization, I was unable to attend to my basic needs, such as eating and sleeping. I suffered memory loss and I had no concept of time, so I was unable to manage my time wisely. I didn??t leave my dorm room to attend class or even eat. I did poorly and had to retake classes in the summer because I didn??t know about the appeal process, and I was struggling to access the proper supports due to mental illness. I was sexually assaulted in the summer of 2013. I was in denial of this event, so my symptoms from first year persisted in my second year, 2013-2014.

My third year of university, 2014-2015, was my worst year of study. I began seeing the psychiatric nurse on campus, Nurse Kelly, in September 2014. In November I came to terms with the sexual assault that happened in summer of 2013. After that my symptoms got worse than they were in first year. I didn??t eat or maintain hygiene. I fell behind on all my courses. My father had a heart attack in December of 2014. In winter term 2015 my parents stopped speaking to me. I had financial issues, so I couldn??t pay my rent and was evicted. Attending class was difficult and I didn??t sleep. When I did attend class, it was difficult to concentrate and retain information. Consequently, I failed all my winter term courses.

I was unable to file an appeal in 2014-2015 due to extenuating circumstances that caused a severe impact on my health. I am appealing the courses now because I have the financial mental and physical capacity. I left school after that thinking that I had to drop out due to a lack of financial support and inability to continue mentally and physically. I was overwhelmed with my life circumstances, so I didn??t attempt the appeal process. My health over those 3 years, which included psychotic episodes, culminated in a diagnosis of anxiety and depression. A few years later I was diagnosed with CPTSD.

My plan for achieving academic success should my appeal be granted involves appealing my grades from the 2014-2015 school year, taking a lighter course load, and maintaining regular meetings with medical and mental health professionals. This semester, fall 2021 I am taking 3 courses. Next semester, winter 2022, I will be taking two courses. I have also sought out a tutor for the course I find most difficult. I have also met with an academic advisor regarding my plans. Additionally, I have registered with Student Accessibility Services as a student with a permanent disability so that I may finally get the accommodations that I needed all those years ago. Furthermore, I have scheduled regular appointments with my family doctor, my psychiatrist, Queen??s Student Wellness Services, and my peer support worker. My team of professional supports is providing essential services on my mental health journey. This journey involves a complete change in routine and coping mechanisms.

Sincerely,
Yema Quinn