Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Associate Dean (Studies),
I was unable to submit this appeal within the 21-day deadline after my final Fall 2014 marks were released. The reason behind this is because I had not been in the proper mindset to do so. My psychological health was not stable, and I was not sure if I had wanted to return to school for Fall 2015. After taking the time to think, and speaking to my counsellor, my doctor and my academic advisor, I am appealing for a late drop FREN 201, GNDS 212 and SOCY 225, which were taken in the fall of 2014. If this appeal is approved, I will be able to return in Fall 2015 and avoid the academic probation penalty.
During my first semester of my second year, I faced extenuating psychological circumstances that impacted my academic performance. I knew that it would be difficult but my health issues started slowly at the beginning of September and soon my academics were directly affected as I started to feel that I had made all the wrong decisions concerning school. I lost all confidence in myself, feeling as though I had made a huge mistake and there was no point in trying, as I was not smart enough. Being surrounded by people not only in my classes, but the people I lived with who excelled in their courses. This ¿¿rough patch¿ as my friends described was something that ¿¿everyone went through¿, and soon I started believing it too. It was only until I started losing sleep and then my appetite that I had realized maybe things were worse than I thought. All these things combined had made me feel hopeless, like it was too late for me and the only option was self-harm.
I began to isolate myself avoiding my responsibilities such as my job on campus and attending my classes. I felt like it was all too much. Coming into university I had hoped that since I had done well in French all my life, this would be the best option in terms of a major. After my marks in first year I didn¿¿t think to make any changes in my courses. I hoped things would have gotten better but seeing that I did not understand anything in my classes deepened the hole I had already dug for myself. I experienced a few panic attacks that occurred in the middle of the night, where I would wake up in tears feeling hopeless. I began drafting a suicide plan, finding out the best way to end my life. Toward the end of November, I decided to message a friend I had made in first year who had dealt with the same problem at that time. He listened and told me to give the counsellors at HCDS on campus a chance. It took me a few tries to muster up the courage to call and make an appointment. I had seen a counsellor about twice before deciding to leave and not attend my exams for Fall 2014. Not only had my counsellor believed it, but also I started believing that I was not safe when staying in Kingston. My thoughts of suicide had worsened and my hours of sleep per night went down to about 3 or 4. I found it difficult to talk to anyone about it, but my counsellor really helped me understand my situation. It was beneficial to openly discuss everything without feeling ashamed. After coming home, it had become clear to me that I was depressed which was suggested by my counsellor and upon visiting my doctor this was confirmed a few weeks later. Ultimately, these events were the reason why I did so poorly in the Fall 2014 courses and are why I am appealing to have them dropped. My counsellor has sent in a letter regarding my counselling and mental health. My physician at home will also send over necessary documents.