Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: To: Associate Dean (Studies)

Dear Dr. Johanne Bénard,

I am requesting to waive the 21-day deadline to submit an appeal to drop courses past the academic deadline.

I attended Queen¿¿s University from 2009 to 2013 as a student in the Arts and Science Faculty pursuing a Bachelor¿¿s of Science in Psychology. During my fourth year at Queen¿¿s my academic performance and mental health began to suffer. I contacted Dr. Jill Atkinson, the Undergraduate Chair for the Department of Psychology in the 2012 Fall term because I was having difficulties focusing and effectively completing my work. I disclosed distress due to a recent suicide attempt of a close friend, which I found extremely upsetting. As a result I was unable to focus or think clearly. I felt distracted, stressed, and powerless to help. This contributed to my growing personal issues with insomnia and eating disorders, which often left me chronically fatigued and exhausted, negatively effecting my academic performance.

I discussed my options with Dr. Atkinson and I dropped PSYC300 and PSYC323 and continued a couple classes. Despite receiving an A- in PSYC235 Abnormal Psychology my previous semester, I received an F in PSYC435 Advanced Abnormal Psychology. I was extremely embarrassed, disappointed, and upset. I believe extenuating circumstances and mental health issues contributed to my inability to preform academically. I felt that my efforts to reach out had not been effective and was discouraged.

These problems continued into the 2013 Winter semester and were exacerbated by my living situation. My roommate during that time struggled with mental health issues; abusing alcohol and drugs and engaging in self-destructive behaviour. I repeatedly found her in an intoxicated semi-conscious state with visible self-harm wounds. I would try to help in any way I could; providing first aid and encouraging her to seek professional help.

I found this stressful and upsetting because I felt responsible for her well-being. I found being around this often triggered greater problems with my own mental health. I became increasingly depressed, anxious and self-destructive. I continued to fight insomnia, bulimia and struggled with substance abuse as a method of self-medicating. My grades suffered and incomplete work piled up as I fell further behind in my classes. I worried that my parents would be disappointed and angry. I didn¿¿t want to concern others and was embarrassed so I withdrew from my family and friends, isolating myself. I became sedentary, a recluse, and neglected personal hygiene, care and cleanliness. I stopped attending class and entirely neglected my school work. I was unable to care for myself or complete my work and struggled with suicidal ideation.

I did not graduate from Queen¿¿s and left without giving notice. In the Winter 2013 term I did not complete my courses, my assignments or exams and received an F grade for PSYC355, PSYC455, and PSYC471. I completed PSYC342 Psychology of Social Influence and received a C+ grading, scoring significantly below my grade of A+ for Social Psychology the previous year. During this time my mental health was problematic, I displayed marked signs of distress and inability to function, both personally and academically.

I left Queens and worked as a tree planter in remote rural Alberta and was NOT in contact with my old life. Months later I admitted that I was struggling with mental illness and returned home. I contacted the Canadian Mental Health Association to organize a fundraiser for mental health awareness and resources. I spent 3 months hiking the Appalachian Trail, and walked 850km through the Appalachian Mountains to prove to myself I could be strong, symbolic of my fight with mental illness. I became a certified yoga teacher and spent several hundred hours studying, practising, volunteering, helping others and finding peace within this dedication. I am now pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in September 2016. I have a strong interest in mental health and health care so nursing would be a fitting career.

I am appealing to waive the 21-day deadline because I want to fix my mistakes. I did not fully understand the repercussions of my actions at the time due to mental illness. Due to personal hardship and extenuating circumstances my grades during that time are NOT an accurate representation of my true academic abilities or potential. I am concerned this will seriously harm my chances of acceptance into university for nursing. I will be requesting to appeal to drop courses PSYC435, PSYC355, PSYC455, and PSYC471 after the deadline.

I have used my time away from university to improve my health, learn to work hard and to learn to effectively deal with obstacles and mental illness. I am healthy, mature and ready to make the most of a second chance. I acknowledge my struggles, personal hardship, and the mistakes I've made. I accept responsibility for my actions and the outcome. I have worked hard to improve myself and remedy the situation and I have created a solid plan to ensure success in the future.

Thank you for taking the time to consider my request. Please contact me by e-mail or phone if you have any questions.

Sincerely,

Natasha Serbin
0 612 8550

n_serbin@hotmail.com
613-836-3602
20 Pullman Ave
Ottawa, ON
K2S 1C4
Canada