Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Dr. Jenn Stephenson, Associate Dean (Academic),

I am petitioning to late drop courses GPHY101 (Fall ’23), GHPY102 (Winter ’24), HLTH102 (Winter ‘24), and PSYC100B (Winter ‘24), and for a credit standing for DEVS 102 (Winter ’24). I have been struggling since first semester this year. I do have accommodations through QSAS which I did use however, I was still very overwhelmed and greatly struggled. It was already a challenge being that it was my first year. I have mental health and Neurodivergent issues. They unfortunately increased while at school, especially while adjusting to my medications being changed or increased several times during the school year. They were changed or adjusted in Aug/23, Nov/23, Feb/24 and now again in May/24. I have been working with my family physician during these changes, and also working with a personal counsellor. I completed a pharmacogenomic assessment in Dec/23, in hopes that this would assist with the proper medication and doses for me, however, it has still been very difficult to find the right fit. Adjusting or changing my medication several times over the school year has been very hard, as I experienced severe reactions. I have had severe emotional side effects, severe sleep issues, decreased focus, concentration and memory, and a huge loss of appetite. Majority of the time, I could not eat or sleep, could not focus or concentrate, and my emotional stability (wellbeing) was very poor. Thus, it was hard to get out of bed and have the physical, emotional and mental energy/stability to attend my classes, do regular work, study and get my assignments done and in on time. It was overwhelming to try to be organized and manage my time properly as well.

I dropped a 6 credit course in the winter semester ‘24, as taking 5 courses was just too much and I hoped this would help. Things were still a struggle though. I would have dropped courses sooner in both semesters, however, I did not want to give up and tried to be optimistic I could handle things. Unfortunately, I was too overwhelmed by my extenuating medical circumstances to do so. I am continuing to work with my family physician and personal counsellor, and I am now working again with a learning coach. I have also been referred to another health care professional to see if they can assist with my medication. I am working towards having these symptoms/issues more manageable for next year. I am currently taking one summer course, in hopes that this will further help me to prepare for next year and my academic success.

I will be taking a reduced course load next year. I have spoken with an academic advisor and will continue to do so next year regularly, as well as seek advice from course professors and teaching assistants, access peer tutoring through ASUS and continue working with QSAS. I am developing an academic plan as well. I will continue to work with my family physician, personal counsellor and learning coach regularly now and next year, to address any issues that may continue or arise. I really enjoy Queens and want to be successful at school! I truly tried my best, however, these extenuating medical circumstances prevented me from achieving my full capabilities and potential academically. I have attached the Off-campus Physician Letter for your review. Please review and consider my requests. I am hoping if these requests are granted, then I will be in a better position to allow for greater success next year. If you require any further information or documentation, please let me know.
Sincerely,

Megan Tanner