Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Thursday November 29th, 2019
The Office of the Dean
First Floor Dunning Hall

Subject: Complete Academic Withdrawal from Queen¿¿s University
Immediate Drop of Full year/Fall term Courses Without Academic Penalty

To the Associate Dean (Studies),

I am writing this appeal due to an extenuating circumstance in my psychological health that is out of my control, requesting a complete and immediate academic withdrawal from Queen's University, along with a complete academic drop of both the full and half year courses that I am currently enrolled in without academic penalty.
Due to the state of my mental health, it is impossible for me to continue my studies at this time, and I have been medically instructed to focus on my recovery.
The courses I am currently enrolled in include;
Full year courses:
PSYC 100A-004 LEC (3395), PSYC 100A-054 LAB (3445)
SOCY 122A-002 LEC (2004), SOCY 122A-024 TUT (2026)
Fall term courses:
GEOL 106-001 LEC (4798)
MUSC 171-001 LEC (1724).

As for the details pertaining to my extenuating circumstance, my mental health began deteriorating in early October. At the time my parents believed I was having 'normal' first-year issues and encouraged me to stay and push through. I neglected to tell them the extent to which I was suffering until I was midway through the duration of my courses and it was not until late November, after receiving medical attention when it was medically suggested I not only needed to move home and receive help but also to remove all attributing stressors. At my parents suggestion they have encouraged me to restart my schooling at Lakehead University which is closer to my home with the needed support structures. My mental health is a serious personal problem which is consuming much of my time and energy making it impossible to continue my studies at the moment, and has impacted my studies over the past 2 months, which is why I am requesting a complete academic withdrawal.

I am requesting to drop these courses only because I am in immediate need of help, and am not able to complete the remainder of the term. Upon recovery, I will be continuing my academic path at Lakehead University which is in my home town and close to the support structures that I require through the process of recovery. My education is very important to me hence, why I initially chose Queen's university. I do not want my mental health to thwart my academic pursuit, therefore why I am requesting the complete withdrawal from the University and courses, so when I am fully recovered, I will be able to pursue my academics without penalty caused by my illness.

Sincerely,
Alexandra Shaughnessy
20110058