Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: November 5, 2018
Letter of Appeal-Mackenzie Corrigan
Dr. Johanne Bénard
Associate Dean

Dear Dr. Bénard,

A. The Request
I am appealing to drop PSYC 241 and DEVS 220 late.

B. Explanation
This year has been an exceptionally challenging year for my mental and personal well being. I have always struggled with my mental health and it has been something I have worked on formerly with my family doctor as well as Capelli and Associates psychological services in my home town of Ottawa. I did really well in 2017 and felt that I had finally take control of my mental health. However, this September I experienced extreme adversity/trauma in my personal life which unfortunately made me realize I was not as in control as I thought. With a strong support system in Ottawa, being in Kingston I struggled to take control again. After contemplating going back home for the semester, I decided it was not financially feasible and that I was going to try and work things out in Kingston. In the beginning of October I began to consider taking a lighter course load as I was struggling to find time to take care of myself on top of having a full course load, working part time at Score Pizza and maintain previous club commitments at Queens. At my parents recommendation, I began meeting with a clinical social worker and therapist in Kingston at Full Circle Health. (Kate Rooney) After meeting with Kate near the end of October and discussing the importance of self care/balance and making the time to manage my mental health, as well as talking to my parents, I decided I was going to drop 2 of my courses, with hopes I would have more time to focus on my mental health and figure out what was wrong so I could establish a plan of action in Kington. I did not drop the courses at the end of October because I wanted to continue meeting with the medical professionals I have been working to officially establish what was going on and supply formal documentation as well as my future course of action in order to apply for a financial appeal. Unfortunately, I confused the dates for the final add/drop period and thought I was able to drop my courses until Friday, November 9th. I went to drop my courses on SOLUS on Sunday November 4th and was quite confused when I was instructed the action could not be complete. After meeting with an academic advisor, Spring Forsberg-Lewis today I realized my mistake.

C. Future Plan
I plan to complete a major in Global Development studies as well as a certificate of business at the Smith School of business. In order to make this happen, I realize I need a plan of action. I plan to continue working with medical professionals in Kingston to work towards managing my mental health. I understand that taking a lighter course load will put me slightly behind with my degree and am okay with that. I realize that balancing my mental health and my degree might mean that I will take an extra semester and I have already planned to take courses in the upcoming summer. I also believe that taking a lighter course load right from the get go of the semester is best for me until I have my mental well being in control. I plan to take these courses, PSYC 241 and DEVS 220 next semester or in the summer. If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to contact me.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,
Mackenzie Corrigan
16MCC1@queensu.ca