Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Dr. Johanne Bénard,

My name is Sarah-Louise and I am completing my final term of at Queen¿¿s in the completion of an Honours Bachelor of Sciences with a Major in Environmental Sciences and a Minor in Philosophy. I am writing to you, in the context of your role as the Associate Dean of Studies in the Faculty of Arts and Science, to appeal for Aegrotat standing in ARTH 215 (Winter 2017).

I have struggled with mental health challenges for as long as I can remember. Even after I decided to seek out medical assistance for the intrusive issues that were disruptive to my life, it took a long time to navigate the health care system to find a good fit for treatment. I still identify as someone with mental illnesses, but I am empowered by my diagnoses and my resilience in the face of these challenges. I have experienced some tumultuous times over my four years at Queen¿¿s, but I think I have grown to be a better version of myself in the process of recovery. I have a strong support system¿¿for which I am ever so grateful¿¿and a productive relationship with my psychiatrist at Student Wellness Services (SWS). I may experience emotions in different ways than my peers, but I am usually able to help myself through difficult times for my mental health, with some help from those around me¿¿but this is different. Over the past month, external factors in my personal life have taken a rather dramatic turn and I find myself in the most mentally fragile state of my life. Queen¿¿s has allowed me to grow and to see my vulnerabilities as a strength, but I am in a place where I need to ask for help.

A few months ago, I was in a severe car accident that continues to cause difficulties for my studies and general functionality due to the lasting mental and physical harm. I have continued to experience panic attacks, severe anxiety, dissociative emotions, and flashbacks which make it difficult to eat, sleep, and get myself out of the house. Things got worse when I was informed of some additional complications about the accident in Week 12 of classes. Last week, I experienced the loss of a close family member, but my mental health was too fragile to leave. This is the third death of a close family member in less than a year, which has complicated my grieving process. This weekend, I was finally able to connect with my family because they came to me. The pain of these events extenuates the disruptions to my work and academics. I have continued my treatment at SWS and I have been referred to a specialty out-patient program at Kingston Institute of Psychotherapy & Neurofeedback, but truly this is not a fast enough response in the context of overhanging term papers, final exams, and my thesis defense.

I completed an academic advising appointment with Joyce Hunter at Faculty of Arts and Science last week, at which point she suggest that I apply for Aegrotat standing in ARTH 215. After my appointment, I contacted my professors to make a plan for completing my courses and graduating. This winter, I enrolled in ARTH 215 to satisfy my final elective requirement for my degree. I have thoroughly enjoyed learning about material so far removed from my regular area of study. I have been able to perform well in the class up to this point and feel that I have learned a lot; however, I am unable to commit to studies and prepare for the final exam at this time. I have yet to feel clarity in my mind. The pain of this difficult time has robbed me of my energy and ability to concentrate, among other things. An exemption from the final exam would give me some time to process these difficult emotions and spend time in the company of loved ones as I pursue recovery.

I have thrived in the inclusive and engaging community at Queen¿¿s, but I am looking forward to completing this chapter and moving on the the next. I was graciously offered four acceptances to continue my research in environmental studies, as well as three offers from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC)¿¿Joseph-Armand Bombardier Canada Graduate Scholarships for Master¿¿s. Education has always been an important part of my life and I plan to devote myself to life-long learning. I have decided to accept my funded offer for a Master¿¿s in Environmental Studies at the University of Waterloo, supervised by Dr. Jennifer Clapp, Canada Research Chair in Global Food Security and Sustainability.

A decision to support my appeal would allow me to commit my energy to grieving and recovering, without being penalized academically. Thank you for your time and attention in this difficult time.

Sincerely,
Sarah-Louise Ruder

Student Number: 10091358
NetID: 12slr7