Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dr. Jenn Stephenson,

My name is Michael Chapman, I am a third-year student in FAS and varsity rugby player here at Queen’s. I am writing this letter to request credit standing for the following courses – ECON 212 (F23), ECON 222 (F23) and MATH 121 (S23).

Through the past year, I have had to overcome many challenges, both mental and physical that have directly affected my academic performance.
The first instance I would like to address is a diagnosis of ADHD and anxiety/mood regulation disorder that I received in the summer of 2023 (June 15, 2023). Although I had previously been diagnosed and lived with clinical depression (Diagnosed in 2018), I felt that there was something else that perpetuated my symptoms of anxiety and depression. This ADHD diagnosis was very eye-opening and helped explain many of the uncertainties, I felt about myself. Additionally, it allowed me some insight into why I had such difficulties with focus, retention, completing work and regulating stress and mood; these are especially apparent in academic contexts. Since this diagnosis, I have been taking medication to assist me in my executive functions and mood regulation, which have been proving beneficial with QSAS accommodations.
The titration period of this medication coincided with a major depressive episode associated with my mood disorder, and unfortunately MATH 121 (S23). This situation made it very difficult for me to complete work and resulted in me failing the class; I understand that CR may not apply to failed classes, but I believe this situation to be an important context.
Moving into the new semester (2023 Fall), I had for the most part overcome the depressive episode from the summer. The start of this academic year (Fall 23) came with considerably higher grades when compared to years previous. This was consistent until I sustained a concussion on Oct 7 against Brock. This concussion proved to be rather serious and made it so I again fell into a depressive state, and was unable to attempt returning to school work until October 19th - resulting in a deferral of my ECON 212 midterm. The results of this time off placed me behind in class progress and added extra stress. In the week following my clearance from concussion protocol, I returned to training and lectures with an absolute desire to continue pursuing my academic successes. In a rather unfortunate circumstance, this was short-lived when I got a call regarding the passing of a close childhood friend. The conditions tragic and sudden conditions– Obituary dated October 20, 2023, as DOD. The consequences of this were very damaging to my mental health. The rest of the semester saw me force myself to attend training, lectures, and complete work, all while my grades worsened. The mix of personal/academic stress, worsening grades and a very depressive state of mind resulted in a poor finish in ECON 212 and ECON 222; D and D- respectively. As previously stated, my goal is to obtain a degree in applied economics, for which ECON 212 and 222 are required and is the reason I chose not to drop them; an additional consequence of losing my eligibility to play varsity rugby may have come to fruition had I dropped theses courses. The grades seen in my other classes were higher due to the lesser workload and material challenges associated with them, although I do not believe them to be my best showings either.
Above are the outline reasons for why I am requesting credit standing for the courses listed at the top of this letter.

In the proceeding, I would like to address what I have done to support myself over the last year, and my future aspirations at Queen’s University.
I have consistently been in therapy for the last six years of my life. Through this time, I have developed skills stemming from other issues of the past that have allowed me to be resilient in times of struggle. In my current mental state, my network of people, emotional skills, and medication have made so I feel the happiest I have felt in a long time – as is the reason for writing this letter. I believe that I have found my academic interests and I wish to stay here to see it through. My aspiration for the future is to apply for a double degree in DEVS and APEC. This is an ambitious plan, but I believe it to be very obtainable – I’m currently on a path of completing mandatory classes at the 200 and 300 levels. Additionally, I have a plan, desire, and access to academic and mental support to foster growth. In this new semester (W24) I have not received a grade lower than an A and I will continue to work towards making this a standard.
At the end of my first year, I was put on academic probation (1.4 GPA), in the subsequent year, I finished a term GPA of 2.75 and was released from academic prohibition. This trajectory of improvement is one that I believe will continue as extenuating circumstances are weathered. With your approval of credit standing, I would be able to apply to transfer into BAH ECON/APEC and begin working towards what I want to be doing. This would additionally allow me contention for summer internships, and other relevant work positions while In undergrad.

I thank you for your time and consideration,
Michael Chapman
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