Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

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 help reinstate me for next semester by appealing the below courses. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to explain the several factors that contributed to the failure and demise of my academics.

?? 2016 Fall ENGL 234 The Short Story in English
?? 2016 Fall ENGL 271Issues & Themes: Spl Topics I
?? 2017 Win, 2018 Fall ENGL 257 Elizabethan Shakespeare
?? 2017 Win, 2019 Win ENGL 292B Intro Lit. Criticism & Theory
?? 2017 Win FILM 236 Media and Cultural Studies
?? 2019 Win ENGL 200B Hist of Literature in English
?? 2019 Win ENGL 237 Children??s Literature
?? 2019 Win FILM 335 Culture and Technology

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.


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.

Acquiring my degree and overcoming academic prohibition, starts with taking the following courses during the Winter and Summer 2022 terms:
?? ENGL 218 Introduction to Indigenous Literatures in Canada
?? ENGL 215 Canadian Literature
?? ENGL 259 Global Shakespeare

The long-term plan is 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. I believe dropping the Film and Media Arts Minor will help me acquire my English degree and manage the course load I found overwhelming. 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 as it aligns with my current field of work and interests and broadens 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 currently creating 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