Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Members of the Academic Appeals Committee,

I am writing to formally request that I be granted Credit standing in PSYC 100 (FW 2023/24). Due to significant disruptions and personal challenges arising from the sudden closure of Bader College, combined with ongoing mental health struggles, my ability to perform academically in this course has been severely impacted.

In the Fall of 2023, I was enrolled at Bader College and fully engaged in my studies. However, the unexpected closure of the College in November drastically altered my educational experience. The transition to main campus was abrupt and challenging. This period was marked by considerable logistical hurdles, including securing new housing, adapting to a different academic environment, and managing the emotional toll of such an abrupt change.

The disruption significantly affected my mental health. For many years I have been dealing with anxiety and depression, (which are registered with QSAS) which were exacerbated by the stress and uncertainty of the transition. Despite seeking support from campus resources and attempting to manage my condition through therapy and other various methods, the compounded stress from these events made it incredibly difficult to maintain my academic performance at the expected level.

Upon transitioning to the main campus in the Winter semester, I continued to face significant challenges. The psychological strain from the closure and the ongoing adjustment period impaired my concentration and ability to keep up with the coursework for PSYC 100 at my expected level. The impact was particularly pronounced in this course due to its demanding nature and the need for consistent engagement and study, which I was unable to sustain.

I chose to continue in PSYC 100 instead of dropping it because I am deeply committed to my education and believed that I could overcome these difficulties with time and support. Dropping the course would have further delayed my academic progress and added additional stress regarding my future coursework and graduation timeline.

Unfortunately, despite my best efforts and the utilisation of available resources, the cumulative impact of Bader's closure and my ongoing mental health struggles prevented me from achieving the academic performance I know I am capable of. My primary concern now is to ensure that these exceptional circumstances do not irreparably harm my academic record and future opportunities.

Given these circumstances, I respectfully request that my final grade in PSYC 100 be changed to a Credit standing. This adjustment would significantly alleviate the undue academic penalty I have suffered due to factors largely beyond my control and allow me to continue my studies without the additional burden of a poor grade affecting my GPA.

I am willing to provide any additional documentation that may be required to support my petition. This includes correspondence from my therapist confirming the impact of my mental health issues and the stress of the transition on my academic performance, as well as statements from peers or faculty who can attest to my challenges during this period.

Thank you for considering my request. I am committed to overcoming these difficulties and succeeding in my academic pursuits at Queen's University. I hope you will take into account the extraordinary circumstances I have faced and grant me the relief necessary to continue my education without undue hindrance.

Sincerely,

Elleni Kypriotakis
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