Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: To the Associate Dean (Studies):


I am respectfully requesting to appeal to drop Physics 117 after the academic deadline. I am

requesting this appeal to be put into place in regards to both the Fall 2014 and Winter 2015

semesters. Of note, I am registered at the Queen¿¿s Disability Services Office and have an

accommodations letter.


I struggle with two medical conditions as well as related adverse effects: Crohn¿¿s Disease and

Major Depressive Disorder.


For my Crohn¿¿s Disease, I am on an off-label medication called Stelara, which is typically

prescribed for treatment of plaque psoriasis. I have tried every other medication possible for

Crohn¿¿s Disease but either had deleterious side effects or limited efficacy. Since being on

Stelara, which is an immunosuppressant, I often succumb to viral infections. Due to being on my

immunosuppressive medication, I cannot fight off infections quickly and this pattern of illness is

typical for me. In addition to having increased susceptibility to contracting viral illnesses, I also

suffer from iron-deficiency anemia, which has only recently been stabilized. I also suffer from

constipation, chronic fevers, as well as persistent gastrointestinal discomfort.


Although I started suffering from depression in the beginning of the Fall 2013 semester, I was

only diagnosed with Major Depression in December 2013. I did not respond to treatment right

away, however, and dosage adjustments on my first antidepressant medication were necessary. I

still have not reached a therapeutic dosage of medication needed for my depression due to

adverse side effects. Because of a less than optimal treatment for my depression, as well as my

other illness, I have not been fully functional. Of note, as of two months ago, on April 7, 2015, I

was started on a new antidepressant medication, Pristiq, which is my fourth antidepressant trial.


As a consequence of suffering from Crohn¿¿s Disease, Major Depressive Disorder, as well as

various resulting side effects, I could not finish Physics 117 successfully. As per the

recommendation of my academic advisor, Katie Phillips, in the Arts and Science Student

Services office, appealing to drop the Physics 117 class is the best option for me.


As I have stated earlier in this appeal letter, this frequent pattern of illness is typical for me.

Although I put forth a complicated health scenario with no simple answers, I do want to stress

that I am a young woman with dreams and would respectfully ask that you work with me, so that

I, despite my illnesses, can do my best to achieve my full potential.


As a future plan, I will continue to work closely with my Gastroenterologist in a proactive way. I

plan to continue working with my Psychiatrist to achieve an optimal dosage of my new

antidepressant medication. With these personal adjustments, I am more comfortable and capable

of succeeding as an undergraduate student at Queen¿¿s University.


Thank you very much for your time, patience, and consideration.


Kindest regards,

Danielle Palmer