Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Sabrina Severino

Dear Associate Dean (studies),

I am appealing to drop BIOL 322 of the winter 2019 semester. Due to medical reasons leading to depression. The depressions symptoms I experienced came to a peak in the middle of the semester and after the withdrawal deadline when it became difficult to continue completing my course successfully. I will explain these circumstances in greater detail below. Nonetheless. before I continue, I would like to thank you for allowing me to explain the circumstances for this appeal.

During the first 1/2 of 2019 winter semester, I maintained a good overall grade by preparing for examinations/test, attending classes, and submitting assignments on time. However, it was at the time that I started taking certain type of birth control medication (Mid-March) that I started experience the severe symptoms associated with depression illness. The rapid decline of my mental state affected my ability to perform well in my studies and completing the academic requirement for this course by obstructing my ability to stay focused. It also impacted my motivation for not just my studies but also my day-to-day personal life and extracurricular activities. I lost interest in doing things I enjoy like exercising which I found to be very beneficial in dealing with stress. I notice the beginning of these symptoms around mid-March 2019 but neglected to act on an illness in fear of the unknown.

As it progressed, I began subconsciously isolating myself from my family and friends who cared about me and wanted to help me, resulting in a loneliness and anger. This led to the point, where I found this class very difficult. Therefore, I stop attending class, and in turn failing to complete my term paper worth 30. It mainly affected this course because 60 of my grade took place when my symptoms started. My other course were done or almost finished before my symptoms showed. Therefore, this made it more difficult to succeed in this particular course.

It not until recently, that I decided to go see a campus doctor to address my mental illness and provide options. The doctor suggested to follow-up with my family doctor (in Barrie) and possibly find a therapist who will best suit my medical needs. At this time, I have stopped taking this medication. My academic goal is to re-take another course either in summer or next semester to replace this course. Which, given my academic situation, I would need 3 courses to graduate with a Biology major this coming semester 2019. If you reject my appeal it would greatly affect my GPA and ability to successfully meet academic requirement for Graduation this fall 2019. With your approval, and on-going therapy, I am determine to continue with my academic studies and success as I the help and guidance of my supporters, in addition to therapy, I am determined to continue my academic success by completing a Bachelor Degree at Queen's University.

I apologize for taking so long to write this appeal as I was trying to figure out the best option for my situation. I visited academic counsellors as well as Interim Ombudsman to figure out the best course of action for my situation. Thank you in advance for taking the time to review my request to apply for a withdrawal with cause. I appreciate your time in reviewing and reading this appeal letter I have written to assist in making your final decision on this matter, along with the documentation from doctor, and letter from my parents. If you have any questions/concerns about this letter or my documentation, please feel free to contact my Queen's email or via phone 705-718-6731.


Sincerely Yours

Sabrina Severino