Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Rachel Pekeles
10211627
April 11th, 2017

Dear Dr. Johanne Bénard,
My name is Rachel Pekeles and I am a first year concurrent education student at Queens University. I am requesting to receive aegrotat standing in both History 122 and English 100 this academic year (2016-2017).
Throughout the year I have struggled with a vast array of mental health concerns which have been so severe I have spent the majority of my first year primarily learning how to cope from day to day, advocate for myself and stay safe. I have spent countless hours in doctors¿¿ offices, therapy, counselling appointments and hospitals. This past semester I have been prescribed many medications, such as anti-psychotics, that have had extraordinarily debilitating side effects, which resulted in my missing many classes this past semester. I find it nearly impossible to focus, and currently any academic stress I experience drives my mental health downward. Although I am regularly a very academically oriented person, as a result of my circumstances I am finding studying during this exam season to be extraordinarily detrimental to my health and safety. All through this year I have made school a top priority, pushing through despite the challenges I face in order to succeed. I attempted to keep my mental health under control by reaching out to doctors, therapists and psychiatrists. However, I have become increasingly sick to the point where I have considered taking my own life to avoid my inevitable academic failure during this exam season.
Should my request be granted, I will take many steps to improve my current situation over the summer, as to prevent this situation from recurring in the upcoming academic year (2017-2018). For example, upon my return home I am attending extensive therapy programs, and working with a psychiatrist to address my complex needs. I have also committed to extending my undergraduate degree so that I can take a lighter course load in the upcoming years. I sincerely hope we can work to reach an agreement which allows me to focus on my health and safety, and grants me an opportunity to start fresh in the upcoming academic year.
Sincerely,
Rachel Pekeles