Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Dr. Jill Atkinson, Associate Dean, (Teaching and Learning)

My name is Jack Wasylenko and I am currently in the 4th year of my undergraduate studies here at Queen¿¿s studying Psychology. I am writing in order to receive an extension for some overdue assignments in the second-half of November that can still be submitted at a later date for a chance to receive full marks without a late penalty.

Over the last 2-3 weeks my academic performance has greatly suffered. I came back from reading break in October feeling refreshed and prepared for conclusion of this semester. This started to change in November as I started to increase communication with my younger brother who was declined last minute in studying at the University of British Columbia Okanagan (UBCO) this summer. Having to stay at home started to have an effect on him and we talked almost every day for hours at a time. About the middle of the month he informed me he was dealing with some severe depression he has never encountered. He told me he didn¿¿t want to continue living anymore. This was extremely difficult at the time for me. I have never dealt with such a close friend, rather my brother feeling these thoughts. My academic performance was inhibited not because I was continually on the phone with him, but rather the cognitive load it was taking up in my mind. I would go to the library to attempt to write a psychology paper that I have passion for, but could not do so because I was constantly thinking about life back home and whether my brother was safe or not. He was always the one who never really shared his emotions or feelings so I knew what he was going through must have been very painful at the time. I was forced to spend more time with my friends to try and distract myself from the thoughts of life back home. This proved more therapeutic than schoolwork considering I am always alone in residence and the library, yet I couldn¿¿t find the cognitive resource to apply myself to finish these assignments. On top of my brother having suicidal thoughts this month, just last week my mother was let go of her recent job that she started in the summer. With my mother essentially let go in less than half of this calendar year has had an impact on me as well. Living across the country, I thought I could avoid the majority of family conflict, and I have but this has been too much. I have relied upon my mother and brother as pillars of support throughout my life. Having seen both of them struggle mightily in their own personal lives this month has hurt mine as well. I considered talking to a counsellor in residence, Freeman Woolnough, which I have in the past. I decided to rather spend time with my close friends of the last three years who live on campus. This proved a far better coping strategy just for the familiarity and self-disclosure I have with my close-friends.

As a result I wasn¿¿t able to adequately submit anything the last two weeks. I am hoping to receive an extension for the assignments in PSYC 205, PSYC 251, PSYC 241, and HLTH 200. The assignment names in order are: Scientific Communication Paper Assignment (205)- submitted this evening, Essay 3 (251)- in progress, Debate Paper 2 (241)- in progress, and Strength Training Assignment (200)- in progress. I have only recently been able to start working to my capabilities again which is why am I writing this letter. I am planning to have these assignments due by early next week. If this were to happen again I will probably meet with Freeman or another professional despite my preference and comfort disclosing this private information within my social circle. I appreciate your consideration of an extension for these assignments.
Thanks,

Jack Wasylenko