Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: I am writing to request a review of my academic performance in POLS111, CLST102, FILM240 and PHIL243 due to significant extenuating circumstances that were beyond my control. I have been managing Bipolar II disorder, having only received an actual diagnosis in late March 2023, which profoundly affected my ability to complete coursework and meet the academic requirements for these courses discussed below during both fall and winter semesters of 2023/24. I have attached supporting documentation from my healthcare provider and details of my hospital admission to substantiate details discussed hereinafter.

During this ongoing period of managing this condition, I experienced severe fluctuations in mood associated with Bipolar II disorder, including debilitating depressive episodes and intense hypomanic states. These challenges associated with managing this newly diagnosed disease culminated in my admission to the Kingston General Hospital psychiatric ward. Even after my discharge, I continued to be subject to the volatile highs and lows inherent in Bipolar II. Depressive episodes severely impacted my energy, focus, and motivation, making it difficult to effectively be able to complete readings and assignments and prepare for exams. Conversely, hypomanic states disrupted my ability to concentrate and sustain the necessary focus for academic work, as these episodes cause extreme difficulties focusing amid an inability to sleep or eat, impulsive decision-making, restlessness and flight-of-thought, symptoms typical of hypomanic episodes. The cumulative effect of these unpredictable cycles had the effect of severely compromising my performance in both POLS111, CLST102, FILM240 and PHIL243.

Timeline of events and effect on academic performance:
October: My girlfriend was hospitalized following a suicide attempt. It was an extremely traumatic event that caused me significant emotional distress, further impacting my ability to focus on my studies and coursework, as well as my attendance of lectures and tutorials as I spent time away from Kingston with her while she was in recovery.
November 4th: I was forcibly admitted to Kingston General Hospital's psychiatric ward, where I was hospitalized and held on a form. It was a highly disruptive event that completely prevented my ability to attend classes and tutorials. My time in the psychiatric ward also had an effect on my engagement with coursework under the direction and advisement of healthcare professionals.
November 6th-20th: After my discharge from KGH, I experienced a severe depressive episode that required intensive therapy, and a prolonged stay at home in Toronto recovering, rendering me unable to catch up on coursework or prepare at a functional level for upcoming assignments and tests.
December: During the exam period, I experienced a hypomanic episode, which disrupted my ability to prepare adequately for exams and perform at my full potential.
January 2024: A severe depressive episode left me unable to attend any classes or engage with course materials effectively.
February-April 2024: A prolonged, intense bout of hypomania further disrupted my focus and consistency in the spring semester, making it challenging to complete readings, assignments, or participate fully or meaningfully in academic activities.
September-November 2024: Another intense depressive episode caused me to lose marks across all my classes in participation marks, as I faced extreme difficulties attending lectures, tutorials and staying organized and on top of coursework.
November-December 2024: I experienced another bout of stress-induced hypomania during exam season, affecting my performance in a crucial period characterized by heavily weighted assignments and exams.
Specific academic impacts included:
POLS111: Missed lectures/tutorials, delayed submission of assignments, and reduced participation in critical discussions, which are all integral to the course requirements.
CLST102: Inability to prepare adequately for tests due to the ongoing instability in my mental health.
FILM240: Inability to engage in coursework leading to missed quizzes, delayed submissions and poorer quality of assignment output.
PHIL243: A combined inability to meet deadlines effectively, rushed and poorer quality of assignment output, paired with an inability to participate in discussions.

Despite these challenges that I continue to face, as a part of an ongoing process of learning to manage this disease, I’ve made steps in improving my understanding of this condition by consulting healthcare professionals, including psychiatrists and therapists in search of ways to better maintain stability. I have since been adhering to a treatment plan involving a combination of therapy and medication, which has helped me regain some stability in my life and make crucial steps in my ability to effectively manage and fulfill my academic responsibilities.

I respectfully request that these circumstances are taken into account when reviewing my poor academic record and performance, which frankly appalls and disgusts me, as I wholly believe it is in no way reflective of my drive, ability or intellect. I am highly committed to continuing and furthering my education and have taken proactive steps to ensure that I am better equipped to succeed moving forward from here on out.

Thank you for considering my petition. I am more than willing to provide any additional documentation or information that may assist in your deliberation if needed in any way.

Sincerely,
Jake Reymer
20394926