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Petition Type: New
ID: 8318
Submitted: November 14, 2021 at 10:34:06 PM
First Name: Aimee
Last Name: Jones
Student Number: 10198512
Degree Program: BAH
Plan: ENGL
Level of Study: 2
Appeal Category Detail: Return to Studies

Petition Letter

Petition Letter: Aimee Jones
13 Brock Street
Niagara-on-the-Lake ON L0S 1J0
10198512

November 14, 2021

The Dean??s Group
Dunning Hall, First Floor
94 University Avenue
Kingston, ON K7L 3N9

Re: First Level: Appeal to the Associate Deans (Academic)


Dear Associate Dean (Academic),

a. The Request
I am writing with the hope that you will reinstate me for next semester. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to explain the several factors that contributed to the failure and demise of my academics.

b. Explanation of Extenuating Circumstances
During my time at Queen??s University, my grades and mental health suffered. My housemates viciously bullied me, and I was unsure how or where to seek out help. As a result, I isolated myself from my friends and family, developed acute depression, and my anxiety increased. I would have panic attacks on my way to class or before/during presentations. I quickly fell behind and struggled to keep up with my coursework. To cope, I stopped attending classes because I dreaded it, fell so far behind, and believed that no matter what I did, I would not catch up. I felt hopeless. I tried to retake the courses, but the frequency of my panic attacks and depression worsened.

In addition, being dyslexic, I tend to be a perfectionist and struggle to stay organized and manage my time, even when my mental health is fine. I received 50% extra time on exams in high school; receiving 20% at Queen??s was challenging to adapt. Please see attached: Branksome Hall Learning Strategies Plan (LSP) and AJ Psychological Report.

I was ashamed and afraid to vocalize my academic failures and struggles. I was in a very unhealthy place. Then, a few weeks ago, I broke down in front of my Father after years of being quiet about my mental health. Please see attached: Father??s letter of support.

Academic Plan

Academic Plan: c. Future plan
During my time off, I worked for Arterra Wines Canada as a Marketing Coordinator for Inniskillin Wines. I am currently studying for my Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Level 3 in Wines exam and intend to complete the Level 4 Diploma next year.

Working has helped me discover my passion (Branding and Wine Marketing) and the career path I want to take in life, and acquiring a degree is on the top of that list. I have also gained confidence and ways to cope with my anxiety, communication, and time management skills. Most importantly, that it is ok to ask for help when you need it.

If granted the opportunity to return to my studies, I would like to change programs and earn an online General Bachelor of Arts English Degree to balance my studies while maintaining my work, WSET, and family life. Hopefully, I can transfer credits I have already successfully acquired to help with the course load. Studying online will also help with my panic attacks because in-person presentations or seminars trigger them. Working throughout COVID, I have developed methods to handle Zoom or Microsoft Team calls. I am also interested in pursuing the Smith Certificate in Business to broaden my career options upon graduation.

I will also make regular appointments with the Academic Advising Team and prospective professors and take advantage of the Student Wellness Services. I have saved up 20,000 from work to pay off some of my overdue student fees. I am not sure if I am eligible for a financial appeal for a tuition fee refund, but I will create a payment plan with Financial Services, with support from my Father.


Thank you for giving me this opportunity to explain my circumstances and taking the time to read and consider my request. I also want to thank your Academic Advising Team, who helped me through this difficult time and provided me with helpful resources and referrals. I look forward to your response.

Sincerely,
Aimee Jones

Documentation

Professional Letter: AJ Psychological Report.pdf
Professional Letter Detail: All documents: AJ Psychological Report, Branksome Hall LSP, Father's Letter of Support
Documentation Detail: Branksome Hall LSP
Documentation Detail: Father's letter of support
Documentation Detail: Appeal Letter and Academic Plan PDF