Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Associate Dean (Studies),

I am appealing for a late drop of CHEM 112 as well as credit standing for PHYS 117 and BIOL 102.

I entered Queen's University in September 2013 as a student in the faculty of arts and science with the plan of completing a bachelor of science degree. I quickly realized that I was not in the right program. I received very low grades that were not caused solely by difficulty adjusting to university. I was separated from my support system, performing poorly and felt incapable of resolving my problem. My inability to resolve my situation quickly led to high levels of stress and anxiety with related health symptoms.

As a first year student I possessed little knowledge of how to change my area of study or how to drop and switch courses, defer exams or appeal results. I felt that I had to stay in a program that was ill suited to my abilities and the stress resulted in unsuccessful academic year. It is only now, after focusing first on turning my academic performance around, that I have learned that it is still possible to request remedies that I could have asked for at the end of my first year and that is the reason that I am writing this letter now.

Stress quickly became a relatively constant mental state for me as I attempted to get through my first year courses. My levels of stress peaked way beyond the norm during the fall term exams. I felt anxious anytime I thought about any of my courses. This made it particularly difficult to succeed academically. This was the point at which I realized there was something wrong. I also began experiencing quite severe headaches more and more frequently during the semester. While I was home over Christmas I was assessed by my family doctor and had blood work done. My doctor speculated that my headaches were stress related.

When I returned to Queen's the next semester, January 2014, I was discouraged and mentally exhausted. All of my negative symptoms increased with the pressure of trying to improve my low grades. I was invited to join the bounce back program, as I was flagged as an academically at risk student. I participated in the program in conjunction with attending many of the workshops offered by the learning commons. I worked very hard to complete my first year successfully but despite my best efforts I was unable to do so.

I realize that entering university is an adjustment that individuals struggle with to different degrees. I however experienced stress and related health issues beyond the normal anxiety of adjusting to university and the issues had a very strong impact on my success. In the case of CHEM 112 in particular I was ill the day of the exam. The final result was that I failed the exam, which lead to an immediate grade of an F in the course. This grade as well as the grades I received resulted in me being placed on academic probation.

Once I arrived home in April 2014 I made some changes in hope of improving my situation. I began by switching from a BSCH to a BAH. I enrolled in a course over the summer more suited to my strengths and with the support of being at home with my family did quite well. My first successful achievement in my university career proved to me that I could in fact be successful academically.

I have improved greatly since my first year and I plan on continuing to experience success in my studies. The grades I received in first year do not reflect my academic abilities, as I have demonstrated over the course of my second and third years of study. I plan to continue on my path of success and performing to the best of my ability and respectfully request you grant the requests I have made.

Thank you for your attention and consideration in this matter.
Regards