Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: January 12, 2016
To the Associate Dean (Studies),

I am appealing for a late drop from CLST 306 (Fall 2015).

Approximately a year ago I sought help for depression and anxiety issues, and saw a psychiatrist and social worker at Kingston General Hospital through their ITTP program where I was put on medication and participated in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. At the end of the program in summer 2015, I was discharged and moved to Student Wellness Health Services where I have been seeing Dr. Ngo. In October 2015 it became apparent that the medication I was on was not helping as we hoped, and I saw another psychiatrist who gave me the new diagnosis of Bipolar II and anxiety. I was taken off of the medication I had been on and put onto a new medication. During this transition period especially I struggled with motivating myself to do my day-to-day activities and my schoolwork. In addition to this the new medication is less effective for anxiety and this hampered my ability to do the research needed for the class. These challenges greatly affected my ability to complete my term paper, and my ability to study for the exam.

Fortunately I am continuing to see Dr. Ngo, recently began seeing a counsellor through Queens Student Wellness Services, and am looking into a longer-term counsellor. I am also taking a lighter course load this semester and plan to continue to do so, taking an extra year to complete my degree. This will allow me to learn at a more manageable pace. I also hope top retake the course next year, once I am in a more stable position to move forward.

Thank you for you consideration.

Sincerely,
Kyrsten Boer
Student ID: 10092277
12khb1@queensu.ca