Manage Appeals
Petition Type: New
ID: 10870
Submitted: August 21, 2023 at 6:26:30 PM
First Name: Stephanie
Last Name: Ferguson
Pronoun: She/Her
Student Number: 20381171
Email: 22mssv@queensu.ca
Degree Program: ASC - Non-Degree Interest/Interest
Plan: PHGY170
Level of Study: 1
Petition Categories
Petition Categories: Drop a course after the academic deadline
Code: PHGY 170
Term: Summer
Year: 2023
Petition Category: Drop a course after the academic deadline
Petition Letter
Petition Letter: Stephanie Ferguson
32 Rossland Rd West, Oshawa ON
L1G 2V4, Canada
Student ID: 20381171
22MSSV@QUEENSU.CA
August 5th, 2023
Faculty of Arts and Science
94 University Avenue, Dunning Hall
Queen's University
Kingston, ON, K7L 3N6, Canada
(613) 533-2566
To whom it may concern,
I am writing to request permission to drop the course PHGY 170 “Human Cell Physiology”, held within the summer semester of the 2023 academic year, even though the June 23rd, 2023, deadline has passed.
I have been struggling with my mental health and a chronic condition that affects my energy, mental well-being and that causes consistent physical pain and discomfort for many years. After working a physically demanding/exhausting job for over 13 years, I decided to change careers in order to help myself, but also to help others experiencing similar struggles. I chose the online option at Queen’s University as it allowed me to continue working to support myself in this difficult economy. During my first semester I was working a full-time job, as well as a part time job, seven days a week in order to afford my studies and keep my head above water. Upon completion of my first semester, I realized that two jobs were not suitable for my mental health or condition, and I decided to leave my part-time job in May 2023.
My second semester at Queen’s found me overwhelmed. I understand that this is a tough program, however, I was expecting that I would have less anxiety due to only working one job. Unfortunately, this was not the case. I quickly fell behind and struggled to keep up. I had hoped this was a minor setback, and I could get back on track since some of the assignments were small and wouldn’t affect my grade very much. The stress and exhaustion continued to make matters worse, so I decided to increase my antidepressant dosage on June 12th, 2023, in hopes that this would stop the downward spiral. Around the same time, I had failed my midterm exam, and although I did study, the information was difficult to retain due to the stress and anxiety.
As an interest student, who hasn’t studied in many years, I was unaware of the steps I needed to take in order to seek help in this situation. I did not realize that there was an option to drop the class without academic penalty until it was too late. My depression and anxiety clouded my judgement and ability to think logically. As I continued to struggle, I decided that I had to do something and sought out help, I sent an email to Dr. Carver on July 24th, 2023 to figure out what needed to be done. I know one’s struggles do not define them. I want to continue to improve my health in order to succeed in my studies so I can eventually support and help others. Given the chance, I hope that I can take another course during the fall semester, then retake PHGY 170 in the following semesters.
My focus moving forward will be first and foremost, my mental health and overall well-being. I have contacted a Registered Psychotherapist and will make it a priority to see her at least once a month. I also will be consulting my doctor about my current medication and dosage to see if it is still the right fit for me. Lastly, if necessary, due to my overwhelming work schedule, I will reduce work hours in order to have the time and energy to put towards coursework.
Lastly, due to the overwhelming demand for doctors’ appointments, it took me until August 3rd, 2023, to finally get an appointment with my GP to discuss my healthcare plans. Whilst I was waiting, I had emailed Advisors at Queen’s in hopes to get advice and guidance with what to do next. I was told that I had to wait until all documentation was available before I could submit my appeal.
I will be happy to answer any other questions you may have. I thank you for your consideration and time to review my appeal.
Kind Regards,
Stephanie Ferguson
Monday, August 21st 2023
After submitting my first appeal request on Saturday August 5th, and after receiving all supporting documentation. I was instructed by Dr.Ward to submit my appeal in which I did. This morning, I received a response as well as an email stating that I didn’t send the appeal to the correct person. I was unaware of this as I didn’t have much assistance in the matter.
32 Rossland Rd West, Oshawa ON
L1G 2V4, Canada
Student ID: 20381171
22MSSV@QUEENSU.CA
August 5th, 2023
Faculty of Arts and Science
94 University Avenue, Dunning Hall
Queen's University
Kingston, ON, K7L 3N6, Canada
(613) 533-2566
To whom it may concern,
I am writing to request permission to drop the course PHGY 170 “Human Cell Physiology”, held within the summer semester of the 2023 academic year, even though the June 23rd, 2023, deadline has passed.
I have been struggling with my mental health and a chronic condition that affects my energy, mental well-being and that causes consistent physical pain and discomfort for many years. After working a physically demanding/exhausting job for over 13 years, I decided to change careers in order to help myself, but also to help others experiencing similar struggles. I chose the online option at Queen’s University as it allowed me to continue working to support myself in this difficult economy. During my first semester I was working a full-time job, as well as a part time job, seven days a week in order to afford my studies and keep my head above water. Upon completion of my first semester, I realized that two jobs were not suitable for my mental health or condition, and I decided to leave my part-time job in May 2023.
My second semester at Queen’s found me overwhelmed. I understand that this is a tough program, however, I was expecting that I would have less anxiety due to only working one job. Unfortunately, this was not the case. I quickly fell behind and struggled to keep up. I had hoped this was a minor setback, and I could get back on track since some of the assignments were small and wouldn’t affect my grade very much. The stress and exhaustion continued to make matters worse, so I decided to increase my antidepressant dosage on June 12th, 2023, in hopes that this would stop the downward spiral. Around the same time, I had failed my midterm exam, and although I did study, the information was difficult to retain due to the stress and anxiety.
As an interest student, who hasn’t studied in many years, I was unaware of the steps I needed to take in order to seek help in this situation. I did not realize that there was an option to drop the class without academic penalty until it was too late. My depression and anxiety clouded my judgement and ability to think logically. As I continued to struggle, I decided that I had to do something and sought out help, I sent an email to Dr. Carver on July 24th, 2023 to figure out what needed to be done. I know one’s struggles do not define them. I want to continue to improve my health in order to succeed in my studies so I can eventually support and help others. Given the chance, I hope that I can take another course during the fall semester, then retake PHGY 170 in the following semesters.
My focus moving forward will be first and foremost, my mental health and overall well-being. I have contacted a Registered Psychotherapist and will make it a priority to see her at least once a month. I also will be consulting my doctor about my current medication and dosage to see if it is still the right fit for me. Lastly, if necessary, due to my overwhelming work schedule, I will reduce work hours in order to have the time and energy to put towards coursework.
Lastly, due to the overwhelming demand for doctors’ appointments, it took me until August 3rd, 2023, to finally get an appointment with my GP to discuss my healthcare plans. Whilst I was waiting, I had emailed Advisors at Queen’s in hopes to get advice and guidance with what to do next. I was told that I had to wait until all documentation was available before I could submit my appeal.
I will be happy to answer any other questions you may have. I thank you for your consideration and time to review my appeal.
Kind Regards,
Stephanie Ferguson
Monday, August 21st 2023
After submitting my first appeal request on Saturday August 5th, and after receiving all supporting documentation. I was instructed by Dr.Ward to submit my appeal in which I did. This morning, I received a response as well as an email stating that I didn’t send the appeal to the correct person. I was unaware of this as I didn’t have much assistance in the matter.
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Documentation Detail: Letter from employer
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Documentation Detail: Therapy invoice.
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Documentation Detail: Therapy appointment confirmation.