Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Kevin Kodis (10071043)
322 Brock Street, Unit 303
Kingston, ON K7L 1S9
12kbk@queensu.ca

December 17, 2019
Dr. Jenn Stephenson, Associate Dean (Studies)
Queen's University Faculty of Arts and Science
Student Support Services, Academic Appeals
94 University Avenue
Kingston, ON K7L 3N6

Dear Dr. Stephenson,

I am writing to request an appeal for academic consideration in the form of credit standing, and/or dropping of certain courses. These certain courses include: MUSC 127 (Winter, 2013), MUSC 187 (Fall, 2013), MUSC 221 (Winter, 2014), and MUSC 263 (Winter, 2014).

Formally, as of February 23rd, 2018, I was diagnosed by my family physician with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (inattentive type). Upon consultation with advisors from the departments of Music and Economics, the Faculty of Arts and Science Student Support Services, Queen's Student Accessibility Services and my family physician, it was advised I seek assistance in the form of consideration from the Academic Appeals department. Living with this neurodevelopmental/behavioural disorder untreated has certainly negatively impacted my life within the confines of the classroom and beyond. In the time since my diagnosis, assistance provided by my physician, Queen's Student Accessibility Services along with the Adaptive Technology Centre have been instrumental in better understanding myself and countering negative aspects of this disorder. While not without hiccups, my academic performance has overall increased since my diagnosis, and serves as a better indicator of my true academic potential. As my cognition and appreciation for academics improves, so does a desire to pursue higher education, unfortunately, this cannot be accomplished with my current CGPA. The courses listed above were taken while still enrolled as a Bachelor of Music student, in which I've since transferred out of and in to a major in Applied Economics, minoring in Music. Although these courses are no longer attributed to my current degree requirements, they are effectively weighing down my CGPA. Given my late diagnosis and impending conclusion of my undergraduate studies here at Queen's, I would be remiss if I did not seek academic consideration, as this disability has and will continue to impact my aspirations for the pursuit of higher education, and as a prospective labour force candidate. I understand academics are not the only means of admissions/hiring assessment, and even with consideration my overall CGPA may not be the most competitive. However, I am confident I possess a well-rounded set of skills establishing myself as a viable candidate. Certainly, from my time in the Canadian Armed Forces as a Naval Warfare Officer over the last 5 years, I've amalgamated a wealth of unique knowledge and experience that has positively impacted my life in all respects. Through continued drive and passion for higher education, a more representative CGPA and external experience it is my hope my candidacy will possess greater validity.

Although my time as an undergraduate student at Queen's is close to an end, my unending desire to learn, continuously improve and adapt has just begun. I've been incredibly thankful for the resources and services provided by my physician, the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development, QSAS and the ATC, and will continue to utilize the knowledge provided to lead a more fulfilling and successful life. Through continued thorough investigation of academic literature, and continued consultation with my physician and ADHD peer support groups, I aim to successfully facilitate these desires. It is my intention that with consideration, I will be able to (at a minimum) possess the option to seek and thrive within higher education, and eventually, the labour force.

I appreciate the time taken to review my request, and would be elated to discuss any details or provide any further documentation should it be necessary.

Sincerely,

Kevin Kodis
10071043