Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: June 15, 2015


Johanne Bénard, Ph.D.
Associate Dean (Studies)
Queen¿¿s University
99 University Avenue
Kingston, Ontario K7L 3N6
CANADA

Dear Dr. Bénard,

I am appealing to drop DEVS 100 (Fall 2014/Winter 2015), GPHY 101 (Winter 2015), HIST 124 (Fall 2014/Winter 2015), credit standing for MUSC 102 (Winter 2015), and the Faculty¿¿s decision that I must withdraw from Queen¿¿s for one year.

The extenuating circumstance beyond my control that affected my studies for this past academic year was mental illness, specifically depression and anxiety. I struggled with depression throughout the entirety of the Winter 2015 term. The depression took away my ability to focus on my academics, which resulted in poor class attendance and incomplete assignments.

As the depression, and particularly the anxiety, manifested itself most often at night, I had a difficult time sleeping, and would consistently be awake until at least 2 a.m. and sometimes as late as 4 a.m. As my DEVS class was early in the morning and three times a week, I needed to be up and out to class at 7:30 each morning, and due to having little sleep that night, I was unable to do so. I felt compelled to turn in group assignments in the fall term of DEVS and during GPHY 101, because others were relying on me and would be directly affected by my actions. However, I had great difficulty completing individual assignments. There were individual assignments in DEVS, GPHY, and HIST that were worth 20-40 of the final grade, depending on the class. My depression and inability to concentrate on these assignments contributed heavily to my poor final grades. I felt little to no energy when trying to study for these classes and complete these assignments. I could not concentrate, which would lead to my mind wandering with unpleasant thoughts and trying to avoid those thoughts through methods such as sleep.

I am appealing for credit standing in MUSC 102 for reasons similar to those stated in the previous paragraph. I passed MUSC 102, but it was a struggle. The depression hindered me from being able to study properly for the tests and final exam. I believe that with an overall better and healthier state of mind, I would have been able to study properly and better retain the course information.

The last penalty I am appealing is the Faculty¿¿s decision that I must withdraw for one year. As I was not able to personally label my illness during the school year, and didn¿¿t know to seek professional help, I tried to deal with the depression myself. That plan did not succeed in any way and in some aspects made things worse. Immediately returning home from university, I sought professional help and now see a therapist once a week. My mental health has been steadily improving. I will seek a therapist in Kingston when I return. I have also gotten into a healthy rhythm and routine which has kept me on good course, and is another positive factor as to why my mental health has been improving.

I respectively ask that the Faculty reconsider their decision that I withdraw from the University. Even with the mental health issues I faced last year, I appreciated all that the University has to offer. As an American student, there were five schools within the United States at which I was accepted. However, wanting to seek a different experience at an excellent school, I applied to Queen¿¿s as well, and was thrilled to be accepted. With my mental health issues being actively addressed, I strongly believe I can return to Queen¿¿s and be the type student the University seeks.


Sincerely,
Tyler Rosner