Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Kathryn N. Loucks
10057839
Box 430,
Chesley ON. N0G1L0

Tuesday, June 17th, 2014

Dr. J. Hugh Horton
Associate Dean (Studies), Faculty of Arts and Science
Queen¿¿s University
F200 Mackintosh-Corry Hall
Kingston ON.K7L 3N6

Re: Letter of Appeal, 2014 Winter Term

Dear Dr. J. Hugh Horton and whomever it may concern:

I am an upper year psychology student and am writing to you to appeal for CR standing in PSYC 235 (Fall 2013-Winter 2014 semester course) and to apeal to drop the following courses late from my Winter 2014 semester: DRAM 205, PSYC 221, PSYC 231. Though I am aware my marks in this semester do not uphold the academic standards of a Queen¿¿s University student, I know that my deteriorating health throughout the school year had a direct impact on my poor academic performance.

Beginning in September of 2013, I began experiencing psychological and related physical struggles, that were subsequently diagnosed on November 19th, 2013 as being symptoms of Bipolar II Disorder. Following this diagnosis, I began treatment on a new medication (lithium carbonate) and followed-up frequently with my doctor at La Salle clinic in Kingston, as well as my doctor back home in Chesley, ON. Though I was actively trying to improve my condition, I continued to struggle both with the disorder, as well as the side-effects of the new medication and increasing levels of dosage. Overall I was experiencing prolonged episodes of major depression interrupted by consecutive days of hypo manic symptoms (in which I did not sleep for days and engaged in risky behavior, experiencing numerous ¿¿blackouts¿ in memory). In order to try and reduce my stress at the time and focus on recovery, I attempted to reduce my course load in second semester, but was met with extensive resistance by my parents (the primary financiers of my post-secondary education).Though a reduced course load was in hindsight likely the correct decision, at the time, effectively conveying the extent of my problems to them was overshadowed by the effects of intense stigma and poor judgement related to my illness. Henceforth, my symptoms generally maintained in intensity, and the depressive symptoms of my illness resulted in low motivation to leave my apartment for lectures and labs. Additionally, I was experiencing problems sleeping and concentrating on anything-let alone my studies at the time. Considering my debilitated condition, I was unable to effectively participate in lectures and engage successfully in the course work.

I feel that my marks this semester do not represent my strong academic and extra-curricular abilities that have been actively demonstrated up to this point. As a past and current member of the Queen¿¿s University bagpipe band, an Outward Bound Canada and BISC alumni, elementary and high school Valedictorian, and founder of Disable the Label in association with Rick Mercer and Michael Landsberg, I feel that I still have a lot to offer to this university despite the health challenges I experienced this past semester. To substantiate my diagnosis, please refer to the medical documents enclosed with this letter. If additional documents are required, please do not hesitate to let me know. Unfortunately, this situation was beyond my control at the time, however I have been working extremely hard to regain control over my health and prepare a prospective plan of action to successfully return to my studies at Queen¿¿s University in the Fall.

The focus of my studies is to continue to work towards obtaining a major in honors psychology at Queen¿¿s University (BAH PSYC), under the Faculty of Arts and Science. I plan to reduce my course load to 4 program-related courses/semester, as well as two online distance studies courses during the subsequent summer terms. In addition, I plan on re-taking the courses I am appealing to drop late in the upcoming school year, and continue to work towards betterment in terms of my health and academics. Under the advisement of my family physician, I am, and will continue to take the mood-stabilizing medications prescribed to me and follow-up with my doctor on a regular basis. Upon my return to Kingston in the fall, I will also continue correspondence with the Queen¿¿s academic advising department and the Health, Counseling, and Disability Services. Further, I am currently working full-time job at a local law firm and part-time as a waitress in order to save as much money as I can for the Fall, to minimize any financial stress. It is through these newly-adopted strategies and systems of support, that I know I can succeed in the upcoming school year, and demonstrate the determination and hard-work characteristic to students at Queen¿¿s University. Cha Gheill

I appreciate that you have taken the time to read and consider my appeal.
Yours truly,

Kathryn N. Loucks