Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Members of the Academic Consideration Committee,
I am submitting this formal request for credit standing in PSYC 370 as a result of extenuating circumstances beyond my control that have significantly impacted my academic performance.
For the past two and a half years, following my father's death, I have been coping with persistent domestic instability and abuse. Despite my efforts to uphold my academic responsibilities throughout this extended period of stress, the situation escalated during the current academic year when the individual involved was briefly arrested and then released. This escalation further intensified my anxiety and psychological distress, as the underlying instability remains unresolved.

Additionally, during the Fall term, my middle son experienced a severe mental health crisis and attempted suicide. As his sole primary caregiver, I was responsible for ensuring his safety, coordinating his care, and providing continuous emotional support throughout this critical and highly demanding period.

The combined effects of chronic domestic stress, the recent escalation, and my son's mental health crisis led to severe anxiety, disrupted sleep, recurring illness, and difficulty concentrating. These factors directly impaired my ability to complete coursework and prepare for assessments, particularly my final exam in PSYC 370, to my usual academic standard. During this period, both my caregiving responsibilities and psychological distress were at their highest.
Although I consistently endeavored to remain engaged in the course, these circumstances substantially limited my academic performance during this period, particularly affecting my memory. The events described were extraordinary and entirely beyond my control.

In response, I have sought support from my primary physician and reached out to Dr. Norris at Queen's, who referred me to various domestic abuse and mental health resources in Montreal. I have also consulted Taylor Cenac, my academic advisor at the Ban Righ Centre, for academic and emotional support. I continue to take proactive steps to stabilize my family's situation and my own well-being by engaging with local mental health services.

I remain fully committed to my academic progress at Queen's University and have demonstrated sustained perseverance outside of these exceptional circumstances. For example, during the previous summer term, I achieved First Class Standing while my uncle was visiting from Algeria. During this time, the individual responsible for the instability reduced his stalking and harassment, which significantly alleviated my anxiety and fear and allowed me to perform at my best academically.

I respectfully request credit standing in PSYC 370 in recognition of the substantial and well-documented impact these extenuating circumstances have had on my academic performance.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Claire-Elizabeth Djaballah