Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Aaron Chapman
56 Royalpark Way
Vaughan, Ontario
L4H 1J5

October 4, 2022

Queen's University
Faculty of Arts and Science
Dr. Jennifer Stephenson
Associate Dean (Academic)
94 University Avenue
Dunning Hall
Kingston, Ontario
K7L 3N9

Re: Appeal to Request a DR Standing in applicable courses, from Queen's University

Dear Dr. Jennifer Stephenson:

Due to a psychological challenge, I am appealing to request a DR Standing from Queen's University for courses in which I received less than a D-.

This appeal request encompasses Fall Semester 2021 and Winter Semester 2022. During this time, I attended on Campus as an in-resident Arts and Science Student.

Given that my immediate family members are immune compromised, attending on Campus classes, during the height of the Covid Pandemic, proved to be a source of much anxiety as I did not want to expose them to the virus during home visits.

Although I fully attended in-class sessions during this time, I felt disconnected and this seemed to cause a lack of study focus where I struggled with feelings of loneliness, frustration and vulnerability??socially and physically. I believe that these feelings affected my ability to properly focus on my assignments, tests and exams and contributed to an inability to develop new on campus friendships and this anxiety affected my marks significantly.

As life appears to return to normal, ie. 3rd boosters and a decrease in Covid cases, I am feeling more confident in returning to Queen??s Campus with a sense of renewed optimism.

I have discussed these issues with my Family Physician and am providing the attached Physician??s letter which includes an Academic Plan of action to help improve my anxiety level:


Continue to receive on-going Counseling as necessary, while reaching out to the on Campus Student Academic Success office??SASS and/ or Teaching Assistant for time request inquiry.

Work with a personal Tutor to propose improved writing/research methodologies.

Consider whether a reduced course load and supplementing additional courses during Summer Semester.

Thank you for taking the time to consider the above noted; I greatly look forward to returning to on campus studies, at Queen??s University, in the immediate future.

Sincerely,



Aaron Chapman
Enclosure: Physician??s Letter