Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: I am appealing the Faculty's decision to have credit standing for MATH 121 (2018 Fall 2019 winter).

I have shown symptoms of severe depression since grade 11, and I have had several suicidal attempts and self-harm behaviour during my first year at Queen's. I was too depressed to seek help from anyone and was afraid that I might be sent to the hospital and forced to suspend my study if I confessed. In the first year, I didn't have any friends and got isolated from my family back in another country. In the worst case, I can not step out of my resident floor for about one month, and all I think about is killing myself to end the misery. At the end of the second year, after a nearly fatal suicide attempt, I talked to a counsellor (Chelsea Stelmach) about my concerns for personal safety. In January 2020, I was able to see a doctor and get some antidepressant medication.

This is my second time applying for credit standing, in which the first time I was applying for two courses in my second year. One of my regards is not seeking help in my first year when my symptoms first went worse. Severe food and sleep disorders did not help with my studying, and my mind was too numb and pessimistic to concentrate, nor felt passionate about any course material. I got a C+ for MATH 121 at the end of my first year, significantly lowering my cumulative average. My grades were horrible after miserably completing my second year at Queen's. I felt hopeless until the academic counsellor informed me about the possibility of credit standing, in which I used the opportunity as a second chance and saved my GPA. I still have one year until graduation to uplift my grades. I see no hope in pursuing graduate studies before, and now I'm seeing a much brighter future for myself. However, some of my desired universities required an A- or A cumulative GPA, and that C+ from MATH 121 has placed burdens on me and my grades.

I have always been connected to a doctor ever since I was officially diagnosed. I am currently seeing Dr. Weiss, and I changed to another prescription that suits my current conditions more. I had joined the QSAS in my third year, which helped me so much in completing my school work. Honestly, I feel like my condition will take over me again in the future, but at least for now, I know where to seek help when that happens. I will maintain my current course load (34 per term) and pay more visits to the Student Academic Success Service.