Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Associate Dean,

I hope this message finds you well. I am reaching out to formally request consideration for Credit Standing for courses ECON 222, ECON 250, ECON 212, and ECON 255 for the 2022-2023 academic year. The request arises from extenuating circumstances that severely impacted my academic performance, not reflecting the potential and abilities that I have consistently demonstrated in other contexts.

In September 2022, I was thrust into an unanticipated and distressing situation involving persistent harassment and emotional abuse. I initiated a formal complaint process with Student Conduct and was guided through the ordeal by Barbara Lotan, the Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Coordinator, from September 2022 to May 2023. This situation, coupled with its inevitable mental toll, led to a diagnosis of Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Depression in October of the same year. The mental health challenges I faced required a combination of prescription medications, bi-weekly therapy, and a necessity for a reduced course load. I also had to relocate to a safer environment under Barbara's guidance.

In January 2023, the investigation phase started, which unexpectedly amplified the mental and emotional strain I was already grappling with. The process, meant to provide relief, instead became a source of incessant stress, as it required revisiting my harrowing experiences––this profoundly affected my academic focus and overall mental health. The investigation process, expected to last six weeks, unfortunately, extended over a draining period of six months. This extended duration not only amplified my stress levels but also disrupted my academic rhythm. Further exacerbating the situation, correspondences related to the investigation inconveniently coincided with critical academic events. These included major exams, assignment deadlines, and key presentations, resulting in a fractured focus and heightened mental distress––as confirmed by Barbara Lotan.

These circumstances, beyond my control, severely hindered my academic performance and thus, the grades I received during this time failed to reflect my true academic abilities and potential. These overwhelming circumstances have not only affected my academic performance but also significantly hindered my ability to seize crucial opportunities, such as internships and international exchange programs. I firmly believe that the Credit Standing will rectify this misrepresentation and align my academic record with my true capabilities, as demonstrated in environments free of such disruptive influences.

Despite the tumultuous period, I remained steadfast in my academic commitment and extracurricular activities at Queen's. I'm proud to share that despite the adversity, I achieved approximately a B+ standing in ECON 212 and ECON 255 by March 2023. Despite the turbulence, I achieved approximately a B-B+ standing in ECON 212 and ECON 255 by March 2023, before I was persistently pursued for additional information mere days before my ECON 255 final and a week before my ECON 212 final. These achievements are a testament to my unwavering commitment and tenacity in the face of adversity.

Despite the challenging circumstances, I was still able to contribute richly to university life. One of my notable achievements includes acceptance into Queen's Capital, a premier investing club on campus. This is particularly noteworthy given the club's selective acceptance rate of just 7% this year. Alongside, I've maintained active roles within the Queen’s Economics Society and Queen’s Student Investors Group, serving as an Analyst and eventually earning promotion to the role of a Portfolio Manager. Collectively, these activities emphasize my resilience, unwavering commitment, and untapped potential, even amidst adversity.

The accompanying letters from Barbara Lotan, my psychologist, and family physician, provide an unbiased view of the impacts of these circumstances on my academic performance. The insights kindly provided by these individuals underscore the gravity of the situation and its impact on my ability to perform to my full potential.

I am currently in a much-improved state of mental health, thanks to a revised medication regimen, ongoing therapy, and the supportive environment of my family home. The significant improvements I've experienced are reflected in the positive progression of my summer courses, further underscoring that the previous year was an aberration, not reflective of my academic potential. In light of this, I earnestly request you to consider granting me Credit Standing for the aforementioned courses. This adjustment would more accurately depict my academic abilities, ensuring that my progress toward my Applied Economics Degree isn't unfairly affected by these unprecedented events.

As I look forward to returning to Queen's for my third year, I want to assure you of my unwavering dedication to my academic goals and my commitment to enriching our university community. I am confident that under normal circumstances, my academic performance will align with my true potential and abilities.

Thank you very much for considering my appeal. I am deeply appreciative of your understanding and support during this challenging phase of my life.

Sincerely,

Taylor Machado