Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: March 13, 2017

Dr. Johanne Bénard, Associate Dean
Dunning Hall, 94 University Avenue
Kingson, ON K7L 3N6

Dear Dr. Bénard,

My name is Emily Kasurak and I am currently in my third year as a psychology major at Queen¿¿s University. I am writing to you to request a late drop of the following classes from the winter semester of the 2016-17 academic year: WRIT125, PSYC352, PSYC302 and FREN283.

I have a diagnosis of Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and have struggled with problems surrounding this condition for the past decade. Unfortunately, my condition has worsened severely this academic year, and I have struggled immensely with executive functioning, panic attacks, and periods of extremely low mood (depressive episodes). I have been followed very closely all year by my general practitioner, Dr. Elizabeth Lawrence, and have been treated with pharmacotherapy and behavioural therapy. Though I have been followed and treated closely, my symptoms have become unmanageable throughout the winter semester. As you are likely aware, recovery from a mental illness is a long, arduous process, and is especially difficult to balance with a full course load. After going through the process of obtaining academic accommodations, I was still not able to complete my course work. My doctor and I have decided that in order for me to get well, I must take time to focus closely on my health. Finally, I am also a patient of psychiatrist Dr. Debra Hamer, whom I had an appointment with on March 7. She has advised me that with my depressive symptoms, it is best to remain in one course in order to maintain a sense of routine and purpose. I have chosen to remain in PSYC397 with Dr. Mary Olmstead, as it is being run in a small, five-person seminar class with no examinations. Due to these extenuating psychological circumstances that are out of my control, I am seeking full understanding from the university that I am not well enough to study full time, allowing me to drop my courses with no academic penalty.

As I will continue to undergo treatment during the months ahead, I am certain that between now and the end of the 2017 summer, I will be strong enough to return full-time in the fall. I plan on retaking all of my dropped courses, as I feel that they are all valuable parts of my education here at Queen¿¿s. I have attached letters from Dr. Lawrence from the past year, demonstrating my ongoing difficulty with anxiety, and one final letter advising that I am not able to complete my academic year. I have been in regular contact with all of my professors, who are up to date and are understanding of my condition. Please specific contact information from two of my professors, and the information of my accommodations advisor. I give full permission for the university to reach out to any of these individuals for more information regarding my case.

Yours sincerely,

Emily Margaret Kasurak
10136440



Professor¿¿s contact information:

PSYC302 Professor: Dr. Tom Hollenstein, tom.hollenstein@queensu.ca
PSYC352 Professor, Dr. Stanka Fitneva, fitneva@queensu.ca

Academic/Accommodations Advisor¿¿s information:

Jason Harris, jay.harris@queensu.ca
NOTE: Mr. Harris is very aware of my current case and would be a fantastic person to reach out to if needed

Undergraduate Psychology Academic Advisor

Allison Leverette, ug.psyc@queensu.ca