Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Brittany Oates
303 Sunnyside Ave
Toronto, ON

Attn: Associate Dean of Studies
Dunning Hall, Queen¿¿s University
Kingston, ON

August 20, 2016

Dear Associate Dean of Studies,

I am appealing courses from the 2014 and 2015 academic years. I am appealing the following courses: Fall 2014 ARTH 311 and IDIS 290; Winter 2015 ARTH 375, IDIS 210, ARTH 228, ARTH 311; Fall 2015 ARTH 250, ARTH 286. I hope to show you that I am now capable of completing the outstanding work.
Due to extenuating circumstances that I will provide in detail, I was unable to complete the course work for reasons beyond my control. I have faced many psychological and health challenges over the past four years that have restricted my abilities academically and beyond.

Medical
My time at Queen¿¿s has been a roller coaster of self-development. In second year I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety by Dr. Barb Campbell at Lasalle Health Services. I was only diagnosed after a year of working alongside Kelly Mannen, the Mental Health Nurse at Lasalle. Since my diagnoses, I have been able to regulate a medication that has been aiding my anxiety and depression. Also, I had an emergency appendectomy in November of 2014. This was an especially difficult time because I missed an exam and was unable to finish course work, which put me further behind. Prior to the appendectomy, my semester was positive as I had completed all coursework without extensions. Further, my recovery was difficult and I did not respond well to the medication that was prescribed.
In September 2015 I was diagnosed with a sleeping disorder, however, I had been suffering from the symptoms of this diagnoses for more than two years. I was under the impression that my constant need of sleep was due to my deep depression. I was happy to work with Dr. Ganesh Subramanian at The Queensway Sleep Lab to conclude that in fact I do have a sleeping disorder that was discovered through a 24-hour sleep test. Again, I had issues finding medication that worked for my needs. It was through the guidance of my doctor that I was able to find the correct medication to counteract my uncontrollable sleepiness and energy loss. This medication allows me to stay awake throughout the day and keep my attention.

Support
When I contacted my professors with a plead for their patience and support they were all very willing to work with me to complete the outstanding work. Importantly, they wanted me to succeed and believed in my abilities, which I do as well now. Dr. Stephanie Dickey, the Art History Undergraduate Chair, is completely aware of my situation and has been a saving grace throughout the past two years. I have been working directly with her to generate a plan for my academic recovery.
Coming to university was a dramatic change. I should have taken fewer courses or taken a semester off to improve my health, however, I was not in a position to think that way. Now that I have been able to pause and look back, I now understand that I should have dealt with things differently. Further, my off-campus life was not positive as I was living situation with two roommates who did not like each other and caused a tense household. Since returning home, my anxiety has decreased significantly and I am in a supportive and healing living situation. Additionally, I have been maintaining weekly therapy appointments at The Medical Clinic for Person-Centred Psychotherapy with Dr. Sheldon Irving Wagnar and Dr. Harriet McConnell. Beyond my medical team, I have opened up to my parents and informed them of my situation and how I have not been successful. I was very concerned to reveal my situation to my parents, as I anticipated their disappointment. Also, I have confided in my best friend, who has offered her ongoing support.

Conclusion
Due to extenuating circumstances, I was unable to finish my coursework. I am only now able to confront these issues and resolve my academic career.
It is through the help that I received at Health Services that I was able to get through this difficult time. I was unable to care for myself properly and take the required steps to prevent this current situation. For the past four years, I have been coping with mental illness along with other health issues. I believe, along with my doctors¿¿ confidence, that I am in a position to complete my outstanding coursework. I plan to be proactive and finish my assignments with integrity and a desire. I have established a schedule of healthy habits including exercise and work. If granted this appeal, I hope to complete my Queen¿¿s degree with enormous pride and self-satisfaction that comes with a Queen¿¿s University degree.

Thank you very much for your time and consideration. I hope I have provided you with reason to accept my appeal and grant me one last chance at attaining my most difficult-yet-important life accomplishment.

Brittany Oates
10058081