Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: I reviewed my examination marks online and was upset to learn that I will not be able to graduate this year due to poor academic performance. I am writing this appeal as a request to drop Psychology 215 and apply for credit standing only in psychology 231 and 251.

I immediately contacted Academic Counselling after reviewing my grades and consulted with Cindy. She informed me that I could possibly be put on academic probation for three years because of my low GPA This would seriously impact my educational and subsequent career goals. She suggested that I write a letter of appeal. I have been studying and living at Queens University for five years and have accumulated a large debt load so I am hoping that the plan that I will outline below will help mitigate this situation and also allow me to graduate.

During my 4th year of studies at Queens U., I was diagnosed with a major depressive disorder and was forced to temporarily suspend my studies. I have been under a doctor¿¿s care and receiving medication and cognitive therapy. Upon resuming my studies I quickly realized that I had returned prematurely and suffered a relapse as a consequence. I returned to Queens too soon because the 215 psychology credit I needed to graduate was only available during the winter term and on campus.

I then contacted Sara Ali, retention Coordinator, Athlete Services who arranged a meeting with Professor Troje. She also arranged to set me up with a tutor but unfortunately it was too late to be of any benefit. During the winter term I also contacted Bonnie Hunt at the Accessibility Office for guidance with this professor and assistive technology from Stauffer.

To further compound my difficulties, my professor in psych. 215 would begin each class with a fast-paced quiz using the I-clicker. I found that this type of test was difficult as I was unable to keep up the pace since I have been identified as a student with special needs. When I e-mailed the professor relaying my difficulties he said that he didn¿¿t have the time to provide different accommodations for every student. (I still have the email with his response). I had to contact Sara Ali and Bonnie Hunt to help me negotiate and navigate through this dilemma. This is not the first time I have had to remind the faculty at Queens to provide an acceptable form of evaluation and accommodate my special needs. This type of negative interaction has created an environment that is both awkward and uncomfortable for face-to-face meetings. Further, these are the situations that compel me to withdraw both academically and socially.

I am working on improving my self-advocating skills.

Going forward. If possible I would like to switch my BA major from Psych. to Health. I currently have an acceptable GPA of 2.1 and 18 units in Health yet require another 12 units to graduate from Queens. I would like to attend Trent University in my hometown to finish my last 12 units in Health. In doing this I will have the support of my family, be in an atmosphere conducive to study, be in close proximity to my doctor and relieved of ongoing financial stress.

I am hoping that this proposal will be acceptable so that I can look forward to graduating from Queens in due course.

I look forward to a favorable response,

Yours truly,
Taryn Pilon