Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: May 26, 2014

Dear Associate Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Science,

I am appealing to drop MUSC 203, MUSC 205 and DRAM 300 from the Winter semester of 2013, and I am also appealing to drop MUSC 204 and CLST 205 from the Fall semester of 2013.

I am aware of how peculiar it must seem for someone to be appealing courses from three semesters ago, but I have a new-found sense of determination and pride with which I intend to channel and graduate from Queen¿¿s at the end of the upcoming year. I am not someone who gives up easily, but the past few semesters have proved to be unconqueringly difficult. I am concerned about how my previous academic performance will affect my overall academic standing when it comes to my ability to graduate. It is with a great sense of defeat that I reflect upon my academic efforts these past three semesters. With the traumatic events of the assault that occurred a year and a half ago constantly playing over in my mind coupled with learning of my father¿¿s cancer diagnosis and my involvement in an emotionally abusive relationship, I found myself unable to stay afloat in my academic career. The knowledge of my father¿¿s diagnosis lead me to spend prolonged periods of time with him, taking me away from my studies. Due to the high stress levels in my life, there were times I was physically unable to leave my bed for weeks on end; chronic depression and heightened anxiety had taken a hold of me. Once I was able to leave my house, I focused all of my energy on large projects such as Technical Directing the Winter Drama Major and Producing an independent production of Evil Dead: The Musical. The creative outlet allowed for constant busy-ness and ensured I was never alone with my thoughts; I figured some sort of work was better than nothing.

Contrary to my academic performance in the 2012/2013 school year, I was finally able to celebrate my ability to leave the house and attend classes on a semi-regular basis, although often times neglecting to hand in assignments on time. Because of my inability to comprehend the magnitude of my situation and its effect on my psychological well being, I was rendered emotionally unstable for a considerable amount of time. The extenuating circumstances previously outlined disallowed me from successfully maintaining the academic standard Queen¿¿s University holds their students to. However, it is with my newfound academic determination and a plan of action for the upcoming year that I foresee a fortuitous conclusion to my four years spent here at Queen¿¿s University.

After having consulted with numerous healthcare professionals and academic advisors, I have decided upon taking a reduced course load for the upcoming academic year and offsetting the lessened course load by taking a 2-week summer course at the end of August. I have also decided that it is in my best interest to drop my minor and focus solely on my Drama Major. This will allow me to focus my time and effort on one thing as opposed to two I am currently attending the Keep it Simple Skills Group at Providence Care on a weekly basis and seek one-on-one cognitive behavioural therapy with Dr. O¿¿Brien from Providence Care bi-weekly. As previously mentioned, I refuse to accept defeat, and it is my plan to make up for some of the courses I was unable to pass by retaking them and passing with flying colours.

I ask you to please take into consideration that I will do whatever it takes to get myself back on the right track; I started this tumultuous journey a year and a half ago, and although I seem to stumble over more and more obstacles, the important thing is that I am still moving forward and refuse to let this defeat me. I know that I belong here at Queen¿¿s, and I know that I can successfully graduate. I would like to thank you in advance for your time and contemplation.

Kindest regards,

Hannah Stewart