Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Associate Dean,

I hope this letter finds you well. I am petitioning the faculty for a credit standing in MATH 121 (2022-2023) due to extenuating circumstances. Over the COVID-19 pandemic I developed an anxiety and panic disorder. The disorder was most prevalent during my first semester at Queen??s and has gradually lowered in severity, affecting my academics less in my second semester. The mental health condition specifically caused uncontrollable panic attacks, intrusive thoughts of failure, issues with concentration and increased avoidance to any sources of anxiety.
Due to the impact the COVID-19 pandemic had on the school system I was never placed under stressful academic situations, extensions were almost always granted and exams did not count towards final grades. Therefore, when I started at Queen??s last fall my mental health condition took hold of my academic success as I never learned to cope under these stressful situations. Reflecting back on the school year I was unintentionally coping by focusing on the classes I was succeeding in and derailing my focus from others such as MATH 121 which in turn greatly affected my performance in this class. Furthermore, my mental health condition affected my academics greatly during exams, as not only were exams new to me but so was this condition. The effects showed greatly on my first semester exams as I did not score over a 50% due to uncontrollable anxiety and panic disorder symptoms, including panic attacks and intrusive thoughts relating to failure. I had created a long study plan, stuck to it and felt very prepared to succeed on the exams, therefore I was very disappointed when the symptoms of my condition had derailed my success. The disorder greatly affected my grade in MATH 121 specifically as it is a full year class, thus my final grade was greatly impacted by my first semester where the disorder was at its worst. Then, when reflecting back on the school year, this was a class where my anxious avoidant behaviors were most prevalent and the intrusive thoughts of failure would occur even during low stress academic situations such as class instruction. Then sadly on my final exam I had a severe panic attack which greatly impacted my performance on the exam. Thus, due to the disorder having large implications on both of my exam performances in the class this lowered my grade significantly as both exams together were worth 60% of my final grade. Therefore, the effects of the anxiety and panic disorder greatly hindered my academic performance in MATH 121.
My plan for achieving academic success has begun with restarting my weekly therapy sessions with my psychologist. During these appointments we work on proper coping mechanisms, and work towards minimizing the symptoms of the disorder ensuring this will not affect my future academic performance. I have already felt great improvements in managing and alleviating my overall condition due to these sessions. Next year, I am also looking to submit for an academic consideration to help mitigate any minor symptoms that may still arise, such as possibly needing an extension or extra time on tests. Furthermore, I have found an academic advisor whom I really trust. I will meet with her to help me make educated decisions for both my academics and mental health. I will also be checking in with my professors for extra help. I had done this second semester already with my ASCX 150 class and it reflected in my grade (A+), this will help ensure my academic success in each of my classes. My condition has greatly been lowing in severity and with my academic plan for success I see no reason for this to be an ongoing issue.

Thank you for your consideration,

Isabella Henderson