Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Liza Vance Gray
20323378
21esvg1@queensu.ca
March 25th, 2023

Dear Associate Dean (Academic), Dr. Jenn Stephenson,
I am writing to formally petition for academic consideration due to extenuating circumstances that prevented me from keeping up with coursework and managing my responsibilities during the winter term of 2024.
I am requesting that ECON112 be removed from my transcript. Throughout the semester I have faced unforeseen challenges which led me to struggle in the social, emotional and physical departments of my life. I have come to realize that I need to decrease my workload in order to successfully complete the year and to avoid any negative impact on my degree and my overall success in future endeavors. I know how I perform at my best and my current output does not reflect what I am capable of.
Throughout this academic year, I have been battling an eating disorder and anxiety. These adversities have had a severe impact on my motivation, my physical health and my emotional health. Since January I have been committed to recovering and getting better. I have sought help in Kingston and through a councilor back home, I have a very reliable support system, but despite my best efforts I still have failed to meet expectations across various aspects of my life.
I have been struggling with an eating disorder intermittently throughout the past 4 years, and this year battled a lot of social anxiety. I tried new methods of treatment and recovery such as medications which came with side effects and adjustment periods that further depressed my mood and motivation. I took 4 courses this semester, but I believe it is in my best interest to drop ECON112 in order to make it through the upcoming exam period. I am confident that with a lighter course load, I will successfully cross the finish line in April.
Looking ahead, I see that the challenges I am facing are preventing me from getting the most out of my education at Queen’s. While I place a lot of value on the time I've spent here and the people whose paths I've crossed I know I will be better off closer to my family and support systems. Therefore, I have decided to transfer to Dalhousie University next year.
I have attached the appropriate documentation from Student Wellness in support of my petition.
Thank you for taking the time to review my request. I sincerely value the privilege of education and I would like the opportunity to be successful in the upcoming years, this petition would help me in that process. I very much appreciate your time, consideration and support.
Regards,
Elizabeth Vance Gray, 20323378