Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: July 18, 2018
Dear Associate Dean,

(a) The Request:
I am appealing to drop the following courses late: (1) PHYS 315 (Physical Processes Astrophysics); (2) PHYS 316 (Mathematical Methods in Physics), (3) PHYS 372 (Thermodynamics), and (4) MATH 111 (Linear Algebra). I am requesting that these failed courses be removed from my academic record.

(b) Explanation of Extenuation Circumstances:
I have been experiencing a major psychological challenge (depression) since the beginning of my third academic year at Queen's University. It has affected my sleeping, eating, and social-emotional-mood patterns. This psychological challenge has significantly affected my ability to fully concentrate on my academic studies. Specifically, this condition has impacted my ability to attend classes on a regular basis, to concentrate on course readings, to develop effective study patterns, and to effectively complete course assignments-projects-tests. It has significantly lessened the amount of time that I was able to study. This is out of character for me as I have been on the Dean's List for academic excellence for my first two years at Queen's.
My pre-existing medical condition as outlined above became acute in the Fall 2017 and Winter 2018 school terms. I did experience acute worsening of my symptoms for both academic terms. I am presently under medical care with regard to my medical condition. Additionally, I have taken the following steps to deal with this situation: (1) Engaged the support-assistance-guidance of family, friends and faculty; (2) Contacted Student Wellness Services (discussed my situation and possible solutions); (3) Maintained continuous medical care with Dr. Coman-Wood; (4) Taking prescribed medication for my condition; and (5) Seeking psychological counseling for my condition.

(c) Future Plans:
My future plans are directed at dealing with my present pre-existing psychological challenges. Specifically, I am in the process of developing a supervised medical plan with my medical care specialist. This plan is aimed at stabilizing and managing my pre-existing medical condition. It is also aimed at ensuring that I have the necessary supports in place to ensure the successful transition back into the program and the successful completion of my academic program. Specifically, my plan includes: (1) Taking the Fall 2018 term off in order to attend Cognitive Behavior Therapy (started in the summer of 2018 and continuing to the end of Fall Term); (2) Making up the dropped courses over the Winter and Fall 2018/2019 school year; (3) Maintaining regular medical care with Dr. Coman-Wood in order to assure success of the outlined plan; (4) Continuing to develop an effective prescribed drug regime; and (5) Take a lighter course load as I transition back into the academic life at Queen's.

Sincerely,

Jeremy Favaro (10143483)

P.S. Please not the password for the provided documentation is Favaro4855995132.