Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Dean Associates (Studies),

I am appealing for a Credit standing in HIST 242 of Fall 2016, which is not a requirement for my art history major (arts) plan, and was taken out of my personal interest. The final grade I received is not a true reflection of my abilities due to mental illness, and would deter my future plans to pursue post-graduate studies. Designating a Credit standing in place of my current letter grade, would be greatly appreciated and support my plans for success in my academic path. Furthermore, this would allow me to focus on my required, courses and retake the prerequisites that I received low grades in due to my episodic mental health conditions.

Between November 2016 and February 2017, I struggled with major depressive disorder, which affected my day-to-day functioning and therefore, hindered my ability to excel in an academic setting. I suffered from depressive episodes and which made me increasingly withdrawn and fatigued. Additionally, my mental health issues directly limited my motivation, stress and time management, class attendance, and ability to meet pressures and deadlines towards the end of the Fall 2016 term. Initially, it was difficult for me to find the courage to seek support. I reached out to professors and friends at first, who supported me in my decision to make an appointment for counselling through Queen's University's student wellness services at La Salle. Due to the high demand of mental health resources at that time, I had to wait over two weeks to see a professional for help. Nearing my scheduled appointment, I received a notification from Queen's Counselling Services, that the counsellor I was scheduled to see was no longer available, and I had to wait another long period before I was able to reschedule an appointment. As the winter holidays approached, such services were no longer accessible to me on campus due to their closure. The prolonged wait for professional support was discouraging, stressful, time consuming, and further damaging to my mental well-being as well as academic standing. I persisted to seek professional help, and travelled between cities with the support of my family, in order to tend to my commitments in Kingston, and meet with my family doctor in Toronto, for assessments and referrals. This granted me the opportunity to then implement a support system in Kingston, outside of what Queen's University was able to offer me during the holidays. During the time I was struggling to manage my mental health symptoms and seek adequate support for them, my final essay assignment (due November 18th), and exam (due December 16th) for HIST 242 at the end of the term were directly impacted. I submitted my essay assignment late on December 1st, and struggled to prepare and adequately complete my exam. My circumstances resulted in a D- as my final grade, which does not accurately represent my true academic abilities or interest. In contrast, my academic capacities were more closely represented at the beginning of the term, before my extenuating circumstances, when I had earned grades ranging from A to B. Taking into account my unfortunate and unpredictable circumstances, I do not believe that a letter grade should not be included in my GPA.

I do however, believe it is of my best interest to take responsibility for my mental health so that it does not interfere with my commitments as a student. To ensure my future success, I plan to regulate and maintain my mental health by making lifestyle changes as advised by professionals, and by continuing to consult the support systems I have established after the Fall 2016 term. This includes but is not limited to, receiving therapy and medications under a professional's direction, in order to treat and prevent episodes of my mental illness. Additionally, I plan to meet with academic advisors at Queen's University to help me make decisions that affect my future path, and I will follow their recommendations. Receiving your additional support through granting me my appeal for a credit standing would further assist me, and would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you for your kind consideration and understanding.

Sincerely,

Sarah Lauren Punzalan
ID 10194195