Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Julia Coutts
20385744
237 Division St
Kingston, ON
julia.c@queensu.ca
289-455-0420
December 14, 2024

Queen’s University
Dr. Jenn Stephenson
Associate Dean (Academic)

Dear Dr. Jenn Stephenson,
I hope this letter finds you well. My name is Julia Coutts, and I am a second year student majoring in biochemistry. I am writing to respectfully request the removal of MATH 130, PHYS 115, and MATH 112 from my academic record for the 2023 fall term and 2024 winter term due to extenuating circumstances beyond my control.
During both the fall and winter term last year, my academic performance was severely impacted by my extensive struggles with bad mental health. I was misdiagnosed with bipolar disorder in late 2022, and the medication that was supposed to improve my mental health ended up deteriorating it due to the incorrect diagnosis, and therefore, incorrect treatment. My mental health declined rapidly after an increased dosage of my previous medication in mid-October 2023, causing me to experience severe depressive episodes, and suicidal ideations. I was unable to leave my dorm and complete school work due to these extreme circumstances, and therefore failed two courses in the fall term. I came back for winter term with a positive mindset, but unfortunately my mental health quickly worsened once again due to the medication. Near the end of January, I attempted suicide, and spent the night alone in the Kingston ER. I was advised by the ER psychiatry unit to take a break from school, so I took a week off to go home and spend time in the comfort of my home with my family after enduring this traumatic event. Although needed to improve my mental health, this break prevented me from achieving my academic goals once again. After reassessing my mental health with the help of new psychiatrists and doctors, we discovered the misdiagnosis and came to the conclusion that the medication I was on was worsening my mental health. After the switch in medication, a well-needed summer break, and making use of helpful resources offered by Queen’s University as well as private institutions, my mental health improved tremendously. I am very grateful for the resources and people who helped me improve, however, I fear I did not improve soon enough to maintain my grades for the classes I failed in first year. I have always been a straight-A student, with determination to do well in school and achieve my academic goals. I would appreciate it if these courses could be dropped from my records, as I believe they do not properly reflect my intelligence or academic potential, rather my negative mental health.
I have attached supporting documentation to support my request, including a doctor's note with specific dates of medical contact and treatment. Additionally, I have consulted with an academic advisor and counselor to explore all possible options, and we came to the conclusion that I should pursue this petition.
Dropping this course would greatly alleviate the impact on my academic record and provide me with the opportunity to maintain my focus and progress in my academic journey. I understand the policies regarding course drops and sincerely hope my circumstances warrant an exception.
Thank you for considering my petition. I am willing to provide any additional information or meet with the committee to discuss this matter further. Please do not hesitate to contact me at 289-455-0420 or julia.c@queensu.ca if you require any further clarification.
I appreciate your time and understanding and look forward to your response.
Sincerely,
Julia Coutts
20385744