Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Queen¿¿s University
94 University Avenue
Kingston, ON K7L 3N6

Attention: Associate Dean of Studies

Dear Sir/Madam:

I am appealing for credit standing in the following courses, namely:

- MATH 121
- PHYS 117
- CHEM 112
- BIOL 102

During the course of my 1st year at Queen¿¿s University, I encountered many new experiences. Most were positive. What I did not anticipate was experiencing a major setback in my academic standing. In both Elementary and High School, I never struggled with Academics. I did my homework, I studied hard and I did well. My inability to maintain that high academic standing came as a shock to both myself and my Family.

I recall going into class to write my first Mid-Term in PHYS 117 in October 2015. I had attended all of my Lectures and Tutorials, participated in the Labs and completed my online homework. I felt very confident. All of that changed as soon as I walked in the door of the Lecture Hall. I was no longer confident. I doubted myself on the simplest questions. I began to perspire and alternate between shortness of breath and heavy breathing. In looking back, I don¿¿t know that I could have even spelt my name correctly in the event that that question had been on the Mid-Term. Following that Mid-Term, I questioned my preparation, study habits and work ethic. My solution . . . stay up later and work longer hours. That is the approach I adopted leading up to the Final Exams in December 2015. It didn¿¿t work It didn¿¿t seem to matter how hard or how long I prepared for my Mid-Terms or Exams. Once inside the Lecture Hall, I found myself in full blown panic mode. Everything that I thought I knew was gone.

My poor academic standing and, in particular, having no explanation in my own mind for it, was incredibly difficult for me. I was embarrassed. I was disillusioned. Towards the end of my 1st year, I finally confided in my Parents. I consulted Queen¿¿s Counselling Services. Arrangements were made for me to speak with a Psychologist in my hometown of North Bay (Dr. Paul R. King). In the final analysis, the University was kind enough to permit me to write my Final Exams in a quiet room, with extra time to complete the Exam, if necessary. While I have a long way to go, that accommodation allowed me to achieve significantly better grades on my Final Exams. But for that accommodation, I would not be in a position of being able to file this Appeal.

In terms of my future academic plans, I am registered with Queen¿¿s Counselling services. I hope to be afforded the same accommodations for writing my Exams in 2nd year. That accommodation seems to be a complete answer to both the physical and mental symptoms that I experienced, but could not explain during my 1st year. I have changed my academic Major to Environmental Science. It is an area of study that I am finding to be extremely interesting. My 2nd year courses are not as challenging as my 1st year courses. My hope and prayer is that I am able to rebuild my self-confidence and never look back. Thus far, I am extremely encouraged by my progress. I continue to work very hard and am beginning to see the results. My belief in ¿¿you can do anything, if you work hard and want it bad enough¿ is gradually being restored. My greatest concern now is that my 1st year Grades will adversely affect my future. The lesson that I didn¿¿t learn during my 1st year, but have learned now, is that you seek out help when you have a problem.

I would be grateful if you would please be kind enough to give my Appeal for credit standing your consideration.