Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Letter of Appeal


November 20th 2017


Dear Dr. Atkinson,


I, Jacob Armstrong, write this letter as an appeal to drop multiple courses beyond the academic deadline as stated and required by Queen's University. The courses I am seeking to drop are labelled with the course codes: PHIL 157, PHIL 293 and ENIN 301. My desire to drop these courses comes from a culmination of personal matters that I will now proceed to explain in depth.


My undergraduate degree began in September 2015 in the faculty of Physical and Health Education. I spent my first two years of university in this program before realizing it may no longer be the right fit for me as a result of changes in interests and ideologies. Due to this change of heart and multiple meetings with an academic advisor, I came to the conclusion that the Philosophy department offered a better opportunity for me to fulfil my interests and intellectual needs. Although I have found value in the program and courses of study thus far, I have discovered that there are more personal issues I must tend to. The major issue is that I have neglected to acknowledge the severity of my mental health issues and lack of positive coping mechanisms up until this point. To be reluctantly honest, I have dealt with suicidal thoughts for an extended period of time now. There are many heavy subjects that weigh on my mind on a regular basis. I had thought it was something I could and must battle through in order to achieve some kind of degree, but I know now that it is something I must give much more attention to in order to achieve success, sanity and happiness in the future. After discussing my options with friends, family and other Queen's professionals I realize that my best-self may be met chasing other learning and academic opportunities closer to home, and closer to my family, my support network. Living in Kingston and attending Queen's University has shaped me in ways I could have never imagined, but upon further reflection I have concluded that it is not the best environment and plan for me under these circumstances.


Given this information, I have formulated a plan to deal with these issues and continue moving forward. Unfortunately this plan will likely involve a withdrawal from Queen's University upon the conclusion of this term. I have returned home where I will live amongst my support network, which has already shown its benefits to my well-being. Living at home will give me the resources and flexibility to reshape my every day actions and habits. Furthermore, I plan to work as well as pursue online studies while at home. This will potentially involve studies in more practical or specific fields pertaining to my desire to work in the non-profit and social sector in the future. I also hope to invest my time into personal projects and volunteer opportunities that will provide me with a further sense of purpose I feel I need to pursue.


I hope that this information has provided a thorough explanation for my past and previous experiences leading up to this decision, as well as my plans for the future. If further questioning or information is required, please feel free to contact me by phone at 905-925-9342 or by email at armstrong_6@hotmail.ca.


Thank you for taking the time to review and consider my appeal,


All the best,


Jake Armstrong