Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dr. Johanne Bénard,
I am appealing for an extension of an incomplete grade in SOCY301 Cities. This course ran in Winter 2016, taught by Dr. David Murakami Wood.
I was diagnosed with major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder in 2010. Since then, I have worked to continue with my education, but it is not always easy. I am given accommodations through QSAS, which serves to manage my more minor symptoms. Generally, I have been able to work productively while managing my illness; as a result, I have a cumulative GPA of 3.89, of which I am very proud.
In March 2016, my depression became more acute. I had difficulty focusing, which made reading for lecture or research impossible. I slept excessively, limiting the amount of time I had to study. I lacked energy, making it difficult to begin new projects. I decided the best course of action was to defer two of my courses, as I hoped that I would be able to recover in a matter of weeks. I was granted an extension in SOCY301 until mid-August, and in SOCY362 until June 30th. With two fewer courses, I was able to make it through March and complete SOCY276 and SOCY226 as planned.
However, I did not recover as quickly as I hoped. I was not able to change my psychiatric medication effectively until June, which was a crucial step in my recovery. By early July, I was able to return to schoolwork. I am still working on SOCY301, but I do not feel that I have enough time to do my best work.
To ensure that I continue on the successful academic trajectory, next term I am going to take a 60 course load and monitor my health carefully. I will also pay close attention to the drop dates, should there be any further acute episodes.

Thank you,
Amy Farrow
(Student Number 07396483)


MY ACADEMIC PLAN

Focus
I hope to graduate with an honors degree, major in sociology, from Queen's. From there, I want to apply to the master of information program at University of Toronto, so that I may be a librarian.

Course Load
In the past I have limited myself to an 80 course load. Going forward, I will reconsider my current health at the beginning of each term, especially the winter term, before deciding if I will take a 60 or an 80 course load.

Strategies for success
To help prevent recurrences of acute depression:
I am trying a new medication and joining a support group for anxiety.
I will plan to take a 60 course load in the winter 2017 term, as the winter term is usually worse for my health.
I will continue to see my psychiatrist.
I will continue to live with my family, who provide support.
To deal with recurrences of acute depression:
I will evaluate my health at the beginning of each term, and just before the drop deadline, in order to make choices that are right for me at that time.
I will continue to reach out to my professors early in the term about my disability and accommodations.