Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Associate Dean (Studies)
94 University Avenue
Queen's University
Kingston, ON K7L 3N6

Dear Associate Dean (Studies),

I am appealing to drop HIST207 (Winter 2019).

My request is due to Type 1 Diabetes complications and mental health issues beyond my control that have affected my academic performance during the winter semester at Queen's, which has led me to be unable to perform in HIST207 online adequately.

I have made strong efforts to complete the work and succeed in HIST207; however, during the winter months, I began to experience intense symptoms of mental health issues which I had difficulty acknowledging. I started to feel depressed and had sleep problems, and it was difficult for me to motivate myself to complete the online coursework in a way that was far beyond my control. I was struggling to manage a full course load in this state. On February 14th I reached out to Jennifer Lucas, undergraduate program assistant, and decided at that time to drop HIST324 to ease the workload. On February 18th I ended up in an ambulance to Emergency with Diabetes complications, and that was an unexpected setback. I visited my endocrinologist, Dr. Robyn Houlden, on March 1st to work on getting my health back on track. All of these health issues combined have made it difficult to achieve my academic goals. The Week 8 deadline to drop a course was at the same time as my diabetes complications, and I kept trying to convince myself that I would get through it and that I could handle it all. Unfortunately, the symptoms did not clear up as quickly as I anticipated. The course that was suffering the most was HIST207. I met with Queen's academic advisor Lori Kilminster on April 8th and made a plan to ensure better success next year by decreasing the workload by taking one less course each semester. I plan to be retaking HIST207 in the forthcoming year.

I am currently seeing a personal counselor, Carol Chafe, regularly for my mental health and to have success in my future years at Queen's. I am also attending quarterly appointments with the dietitian and Dr. Houlden for improved diabetes control.

Thank you for your time to read my appeal letter. Please contact me if there is any additional information needed regarding my health and extenuating circumstances.

Thank you,

Abbey Busche
20051035