Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Madeline McHose
10075336
12mm61@queensu.ca
(343) 333-4285

5 February, 2019

Associate Dean of Arts and Sciences
Queens University

Request to Waive Appeal Deadline

Dear Associate Deans,

I am writing to ask that the time limit to request an academic appeal in my case be waived. I believe that there have been extenuating circumstances that should be taken into consideration in my case so that I can appeal the failures and low grades that I received in some classes in the past.

I have been suffering from ongoing depression and/or some other type of mental health problem as well as migraines during my years studying at Queen¿¿s. I began seeking therapy in high school, believing it to be depression brought on by circumstances related to my parents¿¿ divorce, my move from overseas, my father¿¿s paralysis and lengthy recovery from Guillaume-Barre syndrome, and my subsequent estrangement from him. It has become apparent that my depression is more serious and not merely circumstantial. It has been suggested by my doctors that I may possibly have bipolar disorder, narcolepsy, or ADHD. So far my depression has not responded to medication or therapy. I have provided documentation from several doctors and therapists that attest to my continued problems. My mental health problems have critically impacted my ability to succeed in my academic studies. Even during relatively good times it was difficult to concentrate, and in the times of my lowest moods I also lacked motivation and perspective. During certain time periods, especially the time after my father¿¿s illness, in the years 2013-2014, the effect was especially severe.

I believe that that my ongoing mental health problems have prevented me from submitting an appeal earlier, because during the last few years, as I have come to the realization that my depression is not circumstantial and is probably related to a brain disorder, I have felt at a loss as to how to proceed with my life. Several times I contemplated discontinuing my studies and pursuing some other course in my life, but in each case I have decided to persist, as I thought perhaps a breakthrough would come. I also think my lack of motivation in pursuing the appeal was directly related to my depression.

During the last two years at Queen¿¿s I have been receiving accommodations from Accessibility Services. I have been given the option to negotiate extensions on assignments. This, taking lighter course loads, and talking with my professors about my ongoing problems are all strategies I have used that have helped me a great deal in terms of managing my academic studies, though I am still struggling in both my personal and academic life. It is very frustrating and disheartening to me that as of yet I have not found a treatment plan that has seemed to help.

As I am finishing out my undergraduate degree program, I will be continuing to seek new treatments. I am currently seeing a new psychiatrist and a new therapist. I will be tested for the disorders mentioned above and possibly others, and I will continue to try different classes of medication to determine if one may have a positive effect. Thank you very much for your consideration of this situation which has been so difficult for me.

Sincerely,

Madeline McHose