Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Associate Dean of Studies,

A: The Request

I would like to formally request to appeal all of my first year university grades from the 2014/2015 academic school year. This list includes: MATH 110, MATH 120, PHYS 104/106, MUSC 171, CHEM 112, and CISC 101. I am requesting that I please be granted Credit Standing in these courses so that they will still contribute toward my degree plan, but that the marks not be put towards my GPA. Although I received better grades in MUSC 171 and CHEM 112 due to my extensive high school education, the issues I struggled with in first year equally prevented me from fulfilling my potential in my entire course load.

B: Explanation of Extenuating Circumstances

I have always been a student who has excelled academically, as evidenced by my standing on the over 90-honour roll for all four years of high school. I have always struggled with anxiety and was formally diagnosed in grade 11. I spent a large portion of grade 12 getting a handle on my diagnosis, which later revealed to be undiagnosed depression. During high school, my mental health did not have a significant impact on my academic performance; it primarily impacted my social interactions. However, transitioning to university proved to be extremely challenging as I struggled with my anxiety and depression and my mental heath took a significant toll on my academic performance. I had great difficulty concentrating in class and focusing on homework and preparation for exams. I continued trying to overcome these issues and work hard; however, I had trouble accepting the notion I might need more help than I was able to give myself. I found there were many days where I was physically unable to get out of bed and get through the day. Eventually, my symptoms exacerbated to the point where my friends and sister noticed that I would not leave my room for days at a time. With the support of my sister, who is also here at Queen's, I decided to go home to confront these issues with my parents and various doctors. After an in-depth evaluation, I was officially diagnosed with depression and begun taking antidepressant medication immediately to address both the depression and anxiety. I began taking this medication in January 2015, while my family doctor closely monitored my dosage, as it did not come without many side effects. It took many months to find the correct dosage to help me be as healthy as possible, and I feel that my most recent increase in medication (December 2015) has been a productive step in improving my mental well-being. When my doctor made her diagnosis, she also discovered that I have an extreme iron deficiency. My iron levels were so low that the doctor was surprised I could walk around at all, and upon my return home from school in April, I required an IV iron transfusion, which helped tremendously. Dealing with my iron deficiency and feelings of depression made it impossible for me to think clearly and function at a normal level. Even when I was able to force myself to sit down to do work, I felt as if there was a fog in my head preventing me from processing information. I have been proactive in seeking out counselling and support through Queen's Accessibility Services, and a private counsellor. Since February 2015, I have been meeting with a counsellor for weekly talk therapy, which has drastically helped improve my mood, ability to focus and accepting the legitimacy of my illness.

C: Future Plans:

Since returning to school for my second year, I have been feeling increasingly better and have seen ongoing improvement in my academic performance. I am working with my Doctor and therapist to monitor my progress to ensure my personal and academic success. As a result of this, I have been able to maintain a full course load this year. I am getting blood work done every 3-6 months to ensure my Iron deficiency is under control, and to allow me to be proactive about getting additional treatment before letting my wellness deteriorate to last year's extent. I ask that as you read this appeal you please take into consideration that the issues around my academic achievement were beyond my control, and in no way a reflection on my intelligence or ability to learn and succeed. By seeking support, I am becoming more self-sufficient and independent, and have learned how to manage my mental health issues. My recovery has lead me to become involved with the Elephant in the Room organization, in order to help de-stigmatize mental health issues and support students going through similar issues. I have experienced first-hand how mental health can negatively impact academic and personal success, and how having the appropriate support can help overcome these issues. I strongly believe that mental health should not define someone as it did for me in first year, which is why I am trying to give back to the Queen's community but also taking action by appealing my grades. Looking at the future, I am concerned about the impact my first year academics may have on my goals and aspirations. What I have been through has been extremely challenging. However, as hard as it may have been, I have faced my struggles face-on and become a stronger person as a result. I am someone who will work as hard as it takes to achieve my goals, to better my life, and hopefully brighten my future.

Thank you in advance for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Jordana Sherman