Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: I am appealing to drop GEOL 107 and defer the STAT 263 and CLST 102 final examinations (Fall 2016).
Due to a devastating life event in December 2016, I experienced significant emotional turmoil which caused me to be unable to concentrate on studying, despite my best attempts. I sought help from a physician at the La Salle building, who agreed that I was not in the proper mindset to complete the semester, and as a result, I deferred my exams. After returning in January 2017 for the Winter term, my emotional issues were particularly difficult for me to handle, and I saw a counsellor at Queen's for assistance. She referred me to a psychiatrist at Kingston General Hospital who diagnosed me with depression and anxiety. On February 1, I was hospitalized for my own safety for 10 days. After discharge, I recognized that I continued to need mental support and was treated by doctors, counsellors, and social workers in Kingston; however, it became very overwhelming to focus on my academic career while spending multiple hours per week in follow-up, especially in such a fragile state of mind. Therefore, I made the decision to withdraw from Queen's for the remainder of the semester.
After withdrawing from school in February 2017, I enrolled in treatment in biofeedback with Dr. Lynda Thompson and DBT with Dialectical Living. I was also prescribed a new antidepressant. Since then, I have worked to stabilize myself emotionally and am timing to reflect on my goals for the future. I feel better but am aware that my recovery will be a long journey and I plan to continue with treatment for the remainder of my leave of absence.
When I return to Queen's in the fall, I plan to continue seeing a counsellor and regularly touch base with a psychiatrist. With this support system, I will be able to complete the exams and resume my academic career.