Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Associate Dean,

I am writing to respectfully request Credit (CR) standing in MATH 121 for the [Fall 2025 / Winter 2026] term. I have completed all coursework throughout the term and will be writing my final examination on April 17, 2026. Due to a depressive episode that I experienced during the first half of the term, my final grade will not reflect my true academic ability.

During the early part of the term, I experienced a significant depressive episode that severely impaired my ability to study, attend to coursework, and perform on assessments. This has been documented and confirmed by a mental health professional. The impact on my academic performance was direct and measurable. I received 33% on Midterm 1 (worth 7.5% of the final grade), 33% on Midterm 2 (worth 7.5% of the final grade), and 31% on the December Exam (worth 25% of the final grade). These three assessments, all completed while I was affected by the depressive episode, collectively accounted for 40% of my final grade and have brought my overall mark down substantially.

Once the depressive episode resolved, my performance improved significantly. I achieved 68% on Midterm 3, which was above the class average, and 60% on Midterm 4, which was also above the class average. This clear upward trajectory confirms that my poor early results were a direct consequence of the depressive episode and not a reflection of my understanding of the material or my effort in the course. Even with continued improvement on the final examination, my overall grade will remain weighed down by the assessments completed during the depressive episode.

I have attached documentation from a mental health professional confirming the depressive episode and its timing relative to the affected assessments. Should the committee require additional medical documentation detailing the nature and severity of the depressive episode, including prescribed treatment, I am willing to obtain and provide further records from my physician.

My performance in all other courses throughout my time at Queen's reflects a consistent record of academic engagement and effort, and I respectfully ask that this course be viewed in the context of an isolated and severe mental health crisis that I have since worked hard to overcome. Having this course recorded as CR rather than a letter grade would ensure that my transcript accurately reflects the extenuating medical circumstances I faced, rather than penalizing me for a situation that was beyond my control.

I will complete all required components of this course, including the final examination, and I expect to earn a passing grade. I respectfully ask that the Associate Dean grant CR standing so that this grade does not misrepresent my academic capabilities.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
Justin Alexandrowicz
20471671