Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Hi there. I am writing to respectfully request the removal of several grades from my academic transcript due to extenuating circumstances that severely impacted my health, safety, and academic performance during my time at Queen’s University. I have taken considerable time to reflect on the period in question, the steps I took to seek help, and the long-term effects these experiences had on my studies. I am grateful for your time and consideration. There is a lot more that I can say, but I’ll try to be brief and stick to the 800 word limit.

Beginning in late 2019 and throughout 2020, I was in an emotionally and physically abusive relationship that destabilized my life in ways I could not have anticipated. During Christmas break in winter 2020, I sustained a concussion as a result of this relationship. Following this injury, I entered concussion therapy offered through the Queen’s athletic program, where I received treatment throughout winter 2020. Despite my commitment to recovery, the effects of the concussion significantly impaired my concentration, memory, and cognitive stamina. This directly affected my academic work, including my performance in FILM 342, which I ultimately failed.

After concussion therapy, I began EMDR treatment in fall 2020 to address the trauma I had experienced. My healing process was far from linear. I struggled with substance use as a coping mechanism during this period, compounded by the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic. Returning home was not a supportive option, as my father also struggled with substance abuse throughout COVID. These conditions created an environment where I was doing my best simply to get through each day.

In winter 2021, I was able to spend more time living with my mother in Ottawa, which provided some stability and support. However, when I returned to school in fall 2021, I attempted to balance a full-time job with the AMS alongside my coursework (ENIN 301 and LLCU 249) to help fund my degree. Although I remained in therapy throughout this time, I overestimated my capacity to manage both the workload and the emotional strain of returning to the environment where my trauma had occurred. I communicated with professors, and I remember Professor Claudio (LLCU) being particularly understanding, but I was still not mentally well enough to meet academic expectations despite my efforts. After that difficult semester, I regrouped with my therapist and began trauma-informed yoga, which made a meaningful difference. This progress is reflected in my improved performance in winter 2022.

Ultimately, I decided to move home from Kingston, which proved essential for my mental health. However, because one of my courses (FILM 458) required in-person attendance, I was unable to continue. At that time, it became clear that remaining in Kingston was impeding my ability to recover.

For a long time, I assumed I would never pursue further education because my undergraduate experience was so intertwined with trauma. Now, with years of healing, treatment, and stability behind me, I am preparing to apply to graduate programs in a field I am deeply committed to. After stepping back from school, I found confidence by pursuing a career in the arts. I have been living in Toronto, working on short films, and gaining valuable experience at production houses in the advertising industry. These opportunities have affirmed my ability to work hard, thrive creatively, and contribute meaningfully to my field. I know I am capable of strong academic work. The grades I am requesting to be removed are not reflective of my abilities, but of the difficult and unsafe circumstances I was navigating.

I understand that some of these matters may fall outside typical appeal timelines. However, I hope the context I have provided illustrates why I was unable to initiate these discussions earlier, and why I am respectfully requesting consideration now. I am seeking as clean a slate as possible. I know my GPA still won’t be very strong, even with these marks removed, but I’m hoping that eliminating these failures will prevent my applications from being automatically discarded, as they likely would be now. Any support you can offer would make a meaningful difference as I take this next step in my academic and professional journey.

Thank you sincerely for your time, compassion, and understanding.

Erica