Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Dr. Jill Atkinson,

I am appealing to drop ENGL 290 (Fall, 2021) due to an unforeseen extenuating circumstance compounded with ongoing mental health struggles throughout my time at Queen??s.

At the beginning of 2021, I was diagnosed with generalized and social anxiety disorders, as well as major depressive disorder. The ongoing pandemic and adjustment to online learning proved very difficult for me; I had to leave my PSYC major as my grades did not meet the threshold to continue, and I failed PSYC 203. After this happened, I found myself in a position this summer where I had to choose a different degree plan that I was unprepared for. Then, before the beginning of the Fall 2021 semester, I experienced an instance of sexual assault by a peer. I spoke to my therapist about this and reached out to the Sexual Violence Prevention Coordinator at Queen??s, but I was in new classes as an ENGL/PSYC Medial student and tried to push my problems to the side out of fear that losing focus on that would result in me failing once again. This denial exacerbated the symptoms of my pre-existing emotional disorders, making it very difficult to attend my classes and participate. I tried to solve the problem by consulting my family physician, and he prescribed me anti-anxiety medication. However, adjusting to the medication resulted in severe physical symptoms and further damaged my mental health. I could not sit still at my computer to complete an assignment without spiralling into a panic attack, despite my desire to finish my work and be successful. This issue began in October and continued through December exams. Regarding ENGL 290, I failed to complete both course essays and the final exam. My other courses are all fall-winter term courses, so I have spoken to my professors and feel that those grades are still salvageable. ENGL 290 was a one-term course based largely on participation and the two assignments and exam that I did not complete.

In December, the Sexual Violence Prevention & Response Coordinator checked in with me since I had not answered her September email. This prompted me to seek further help from her and the Queen??s resident sexual assault therapist, whom I have my first appointment with in February. I am eager to improve my academic performance this semester as I have always had very high expectations for myself, and I feel that I am capable of doing so with ongoing counselling and seeking alternative medical treatment. Additionally, I am in the process of booking an appointment with an academic advisor to plan my next steps in my degree following this setback. I have also been in touch with my QSAS advisor to disclose my circumstances and receive support on that end. My parents, too, are aware of my challenges in school and are working with me now in our home environment to ensure that I am fulfilling my commitments. I can also benefit from being more communicative with my professors about my mental health struggles and any extenuating circumstances I may be dealing with in the future.

I hope that this explanation of my circumstances will suffice??however, I am happy to provide further information if needed for a decision. I am very passionate about my education and wish I had sought help sooner to prevent all of this from happening. It is clear to me now that I made many mistakes and handled my situation poorly. Should future extenuating circumstances arise, I now know how to handle them correctly. I would be highly grateful if this course could be dropped from my transcript, as it is not a reflection of the kind of student that I am, nor of the student I plan to be in my future at Queen??s.

Thank you for your consideration.