Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Dr. Jill Atkinson, Associate Dean (Academic) Arts and Science


I am writing to request an appeal to drop CISC 101 (Winter 2022).

I entered Queens University with a LOA for a medical condition I have been struggling to live with for several years. In mid-February of 2022, I began having new difficulties, which was picked up on by the Professional I was seeing weekly. Over the course of the last month, I have been diagnosed with and am adjusting to a new mental health condition. As you will see in the attached report from Dr. Jamey Adirim, Psychiatrist, I am struggling with many of the skills critical to successfully attending University classes. These include attending lectures, labs and tutorials, concentrating, remembering, reasoning and thinking rationally, organizing and planning, interacting with others, and self-regulating in daily activities. I was least able to any longer do the kind of learning involved with computer programming. I have not taken a course in this area in past. Seeing as CISC 101 is an elective for me, and dropping one course off the work load was discussed, I chose this course.

A plan was made with the help of my medical team and the Accommodations Officer, Caroline Teske. I have followed through with actions needed to negotiate completing the work of my other four courses. I have asked for exam deferral on 3 of 4 of my courses. I am working daily on my health and functionality, to be able to do the work required to prepare for those four exams. If I am unwell, and unable to write one or more of those exams, I am aware of the options available and requirements of me to apply for consideration.

I will also follow through with the decisions that need to be made regarding my planned course load in the summer session. It has been suggested that I meet with an Academic Advisor once my exams and final grades are decided. I am not yet able to address the decisions regarding my ability to handle a full course load in the fall. My adjustment to this severe health condition is ongoing. I understand a responsibility to prepare myself for success academically, as I gain the ability to manage my health condition.

Thank you for your consideration of my request. I have academic goals and dreams and I will find a way to reach them.

Jacqui Leonard