Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Associate Dean,
Faculty of Arts & Science

Please consider my request for a medical leave of absence with the intent to return in Sept. 2016 or later depending on medical re-evaluation.
I was diagnosed with depression in the summer of 2015. My doctor diagnosed this based on my symptoms which were anxiety, disruptive sleep patterns, sadness, despair and lethargy. These symptoms had a direct effect on my academic performance. If I can motivate myself to attend a lecture I nod off, experience periods of weepyness and cannot retain written material. I was prescribed medication for this condition. Although the medication was effective for a time I am feeling a return of these symptoms. In discussion with my doctor I was informed that often medication for depression can become ineffective and require a change in dosage or a new medication entirely. I have an appt. with my doctor April 26th to revisit the medication issue. If a new medication is introduced it can take several months before the full benefit is achieved. In the interim my studies have suffered because the combined symptoms of depression result in inability to focus which is compounded by my ADHD.
My doctor is supportive of my decision to take a leave of absence from school until such time as I am able to return. I am in the process of obtaining a letter from my doctor supporting this and will submit it upon receipt.
Thank you for your consideration,
Taryn Pilon