Petition Letter
Dear Dr. Jenn Stephenson,
I am petitioning for credit standing for the following courses during the Summer of 2022:
- BIOL 102: Fundamentals: Molecular and Cell Biology
- CISC 181: Digital Societies
Additionally, I would like to request credit standing for the following courses during Fall 2022:
- PSYC 236: Clinical Psychology
- PSYC 241: Social Psychology
- PSYC 336: Advanced Adult Clinical Psychology
- PSYC 337: Advanced Child Clinical Psychology
I faced numerous challenges during my second year that significantly impacted my academic performance. With alternating in-person and remote learning, the transition to a new city and school system proved particularly difficult. As the world started to open up again, I juggled additional responsibilities in my new environment in Kingston.
The winter term of 2022 was the most challenging period of my academic year, as I experienced a complete failure in 4 of my courses. It was a harsh realization that I had not performed as well as I had hoped. Education and academic achievement have always been central to my life, instilled in me by my parents, and facing the reality of going from being a high-achieving student to struggling was incredibly disheartening.
The repercussions of my academic performance weighed heavily on me, especially considering the potential impact on my family. Consequently, I had to devote the remainder of the year to retaking the five-course units I had done poorly on. This meant that the summer and fall terms of 2022 were particularly challenging for me personally and academically. Following the failure of four courses, my mental health experienced a downward spiral that persisted throughout the rest of the year. The emotional toll caused by the initial academic setback profoundly impacted my overall well-being, leading to a decline in subsequent grades. The interconnectedness between my mental health struggles and my next academic performance contributed to the challenging grades I obtained.
I consulted with advisors to address the situation and seek guidance on my academic path and recovery. However, the mental health issues I experienced during the Summer and Fall of 2022 exacerbated my academic struggles. The toll it took on my well-being directly impacted my ability to perform at my best academically.
The extenuating circumstance of my mental health challenges contributed to my academic performance during the specified terms (Summer and Fall 2022). By explaining these circumstances, I hope my petition for credit standing will be considered in light of my unique challenges.
Given my mental health challenges, I have taken proactive steps to address them and ensure future academic success. Despite the stigma surrounding mental health within my family, I have now sought the assistance of a counsellor, who has provided invaluable support. Additionally, I have actively engaged with the Dean of my program and her assistant to develop a comprehensive plan that aligns with my academic goals and explores alternative options.
Recognizing the importance of proper guidance, I have also sought assistance from academic advisors who have helped me navigate course selection and manage my course load effectively. With the collective support and guidance from these professionals, I am on a steady path toward regaining my academic standing and reclaiming my previous level of achievement. This progress is evident in the improved grades I have been receiving recently.
I am committed to regularly meeting my counsellor and actively engaging with available support systems. These measures will ensure that I prioritize my mental well-being and establish a solid foundation for success in my future studies. By implementing these adjustments, I am confident I will overcome my challenges and thrive academically again.
I am petitioning for credit standing for the following courses during the Summer of 2022:
- BIOL 102: Fundamentals: Molecular and Cell Biology
- CISC 181: Digital Societies
Additionally, I would like to request credit standing for the following courses during Fall 2022:
- PSYC 236: Clinical Psychology
- PSYC 241: Social Psychology
- PSYC 336: Advanced Adult Clinical Psychology
- PSYC 337: Advanced Child Clinical Psychology
I faced numerous challenges during my second year that significantly impacted my academic performance. With alternating in-person and remote learning, the transition to a new city and school system proved particularly difficult. As the world started to open up again, I juggled additional responsibilities in my new environment in Kingston.
The winter term of 2022 was the most challenging period of my academic year, as I experienced a complete failure in 4 of my courses. It was a harsh realization that I had not performed as well as I had hoped. Education and academic achievement have always been central to my life, instilled in me by my parents, and facing the reality of going from being a high-achieving student to struggling was incredibly disheartening.
The repercussions of my academic performance weighed heavily on me, especially considering the potential impact on my family. Consequently, I had to devote the remainder of the year to retaking the five-course units I had done poorly on. This meant that the summer and fall terms of 2022 were particularly challenging for me personally and academically. Following the failure of four courses, my mental health experienced a downward spiral that persisted throughout the rest of the year. The emotional toll caused by the initial academic setback profoundly impacted my overall well-being, leading to a decline in subsequent grades. The interconnectedness between my mental health struggles and my next academic performance contributed to the challenging grades I obtained.
I consulted with advisors to address the situation and seek guidance on my academic path and recovery. However, the mental health issues I experienced during the Summer and Fall of 2022 exacerbated my academic struggles. The toll it took on my well-being directly impacted my ability to perform at my best academically.
The extenuating circumstance of my mental health challenges contributed to my academic performance during the specified terms (Summer and Fall 2022). By explaining these circumstances, I hope my petition for credit standing will be considered in light of my unique challenges.
Given my mental health challenges, I have taken proactive steps to address them and ensure future academic success. Despite the stigma surrounding mental health within my family, I have now sought the assistance of a counsellor, who has provided invaluable support. Additionally, I have actively engaged with the Dean of my program and her assistant to develop a comprehensive plan that aligns with my academic goals and explores alternative options.
Recognizing the importance of proper guidance, I have also sought assistance from academic advisors who have helped me navigate course selection and manage my course load effectively. With the collective support and guidance from these professionals, I am on a steady path toward regaining my academic standing and reclaiming my previous level of achievement. This progress is evident in the improved grades I have been receiving recently.
I am committed to regularly meeting my counsellor and actively engaging with available support systems. These measures will ensure that I prioritize my mental well-being and establish a solid foundation for success in my future studies. By implementing these adjustments, I am confident I will overcome my challenges and thrive academically again.