Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Dr. Jenn Stephenson,

I am writing this petition letter requesting to late drop the following courses from my transcript; IDIS373 - online (winter '23), HLTH332 (summer '23), KNPE363 (fall '23) and ANAT315 (fall '23). Additionally, I am writing to request Aegrotat standing in the following courses; GLPH271 - online (winter ‘23), PHAR370 - online (winter ‘23) and KNPE400 (fall ‘23). Unfortunately, extenuating circumstances relating to my current health condition have adversely affected my academic performance; with symptoms consuming much of my time and energy I was unable to complete the majority of the course evaluations successfully, as evident in my transcript.

Without going into specific detail, the extenuating circumstance beyond my control is due to mental illness including depression and disordered eating. I have been struggling with mental illness for a few years now and managing my symptoms while completing my studies has been very difficult. In the fall of 2022 (My 3rd year) I decided it was best to drop all my courses to take the rest of the semester off and return home to receive some extra support. I then only took online courses in the winter of 2023 so I could stay home. At the beginning of the semester, I was able to complete all my assignments in GLPH271 and PHAR370 with great grades, however, began experiencing significant symptoms as final exams approached. I was offered deferred dates for the final exams however due to a suicide attempt, I was unable to attend. In terms of IDIS373, I was unable to complete 60% of the course by the end of the term due to these significant symptoms and attempt. I returned to Kingston this fall and started the semester in a much better state than the previous semester/year, however was only able to complete two fall semester courses as extenuating circumstances relating to my current health condition returned. I received a D in KNPE400 as I only completed 60% of the coursework (Tutorial Participation, Quizzes, Assignment 2: Case Study, and the Final Exam); I emailed Dr. Beamish requesting an incomplete grade to finish Assignments 1 and 3 but did not hear back. I did not drop the other courses (ANAT315 and KNPE363) earlier as I believed I could make up my outstanding assignments by the end of the term but again, was unable to due to significant symptoms occurring throughout and at the end of the term.

I understand that I am requesting multiple late drops and that my symptoms have been adversely affecting my academic performance for a couple of years. However, when I have the energy and mental capacity to complete assignments and exams, I receive great marks as seen in my courses requesting Aegrotat standings. I also believe I am getting better at managing my symptoms, as I am attending lectures and completing more assignments than in previous semesters.

I am currently a student registered with Queen’s Student Accessibility Services for mental health. My accommodations made the deferral process for evaluations and exams much easier, however, the unforeseen severity and relapse of my symptoms at the time are outside what is permitted under my accommodations.

I have met with Anna van der Meulen, Department Manager and Undergraduate Chair of the School of Kinesiology and Health Studies and have discussed my transcript, these petitions and my plan for achieving academic success moving forward. This plan includes taking a 5th year of school, as well as exactly which courses I need to take these summer, fall and winter semesters to graduate in the spring of 2025.

Additionally, I am managing my current health condition by receiving outpatient services and medication from Dr. Jane Nixon, as well as attending weekly appointments with registered psychotherapist Lisa Hickling Miller to prevent future relapse in symptom severity.

Attached is a letter from health care professional, registered psychotherapist Lisa Hickling Miller confirming this extenuating circumstance. As well as an off-campus physician’s note by Dr. Jane Nixon.

Sincerely,

Hannah Seckler
20231007