Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: To the Associate Dean (Studies),

I'm writing this letter to appeal for the ability to drop all of my courses for rest of this semester with the hope of returning next semester with a fresh start and a clearer mind.
Throughout the month of October, I went through a very intense period of depression. A major catalyst for this depression was a temporary return to a relationship with somebody from my first semester at Queens that I now know was a relationship of emotional abuse. The challenges of this relationship coupled with my already heightened anxiety and depression was a significant detriment to my studies and well-being. I struggled to attend classes and complete my work as I was unable to concentrate on my readings. My black and white thinking, a side effect of my depression and anxiety, made it feel impossible to attend classes without all of my work done. I was unable to sleep, avoiding the reality of my situation. I began to avoid my roommates and isolate. These poor habits also led to poor planning with respect to food, and I began to spend on unreasonable amounts on take-out and prepared food. This led to further health challenges in the form of significant weight gain, shame and guilt. I was falling so far behind that it felt impossible and I was immobilized with fear.
One day when I was feeling enough strength to reach out, I tried to make an appointment with a counselor and with QSAS so that I could come up with a strategy for getting back on track. I was originally told that I wasn't able to get accommodations unless I went through a counselor and that I would not be able to see a counselor for another month.
At that point I felt hopeless and things progressed once again. I had a panic attack one day and called a helpline, surprised at how much it helped. From that point on I did everything I could to get the help I needed. I ended up seeing a doctor, an occupational therapist, a counselor, an academic advisor, somebody from QSAS, somebody from student awards, even an appointment with a private therapist that I surely couldn't afford in the beginning when I was desperate. I was very lucky to still have the support of my best friend and dad, who I am very close with.
After this barrage of support and appointments I felt for a short time that I was turning a corner, but in the end, it was too much. When I finally found a little bit of energy to turn back towards the solutions in my studies it suddenly became apparent that through this depression, I had spent virtually all of the credit line I needed to survive for the rest of the semester. With no easy financial answers or solutions that would solve my problems in the time that I had, I spent my last few dollars getting a few healthy groceries. Thankfully I was able to find some meals through Swipe It Forward in order to have food while I figured out what my options were. Of course, all of this further compounded my anxiety and had me so emotional and overwhelmed one day that my father insisted I call a helpline again, concerned for my well-being. Finally, in reaching out to a dear friend she was able to help me see that perhaps I could get back on track if I drop my classes for this semester and come up with a new approach.
It is for these reasons that I am submitting this appeal to drop my classes for this semester.
Thankfully, throughout this process I was able to find support in the form of short-term accommodations for the semester with the occupational therapist I had been seeing and long-term accommodations with very kind and helpful member of QSAS. It is with these accommodations and a fresh start that I am optimistic for returning to Queens for second semester. I am considering reducing my course load in order to have a more balanced approach next term. During this time off, if I am able to go home, I will focus on my mental health, come up with a financial plan with OSAP and potentially Ontario Works, and recuperate in order to be ready to go back in January.
I absolutely love being at Queens. During my time here so far, I have learned so much both in my field of study and about myself. I am an active member of Trillers A Cappella and this is an important part of my life. It is with these learnings and the support of the programs offered at Queens and my support network that I am confident that I will reach my goal goals and continue to contribute to the Queens community.

I hope you will consider this appeal.

Sincerely,
Leah Duff
20067148