Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: To the Associate Dean (Studies),

My name is Ashley Quan and I am appealing to drop GNDS 380 (Winter, 2019) after the academic deadline. My struggle with depression and anxiety this semester has made it difficult for me to attend GNDS 380 and complete coursework. Despite taking steps to manage my conditions, there were several unanticipated consequences to a new medication that rendered me unable to complete coursework. I am committed to resolving the underlying issues and successfully complete my degree at Queen's University and will take several steps outlined below to manage my condition for future semesters.

This semester my mental illness exhibited several symptoms that impaired my ability to attend GNDS 380 and complete coursework. I experienced insomnia, panic attacks, depressive episodes, hyperventilation, nausea, activity paralysis, and fatigue. These symptoms impaired my ability to attend class and complete assignments in a way that I was unable to foresee. My mental illness impacts my daily functioning, such as the inability to get out of bed or care for basic hygiene. It has also inhibited my ability to do work, as simple assignments are often met with feelings of intense anxiety causing reactions ranging from feeling paralyzed to hyperventilating. I also struggle with panic attacks (shouting, spasms, pulling out hair, hyperventilation, intense sobbing, loss of control over body) and severe depressive episodes (ranging from feelings of intense numbness, and extreme sadness). Recovering from these moments can take a few days to a week. In these moments, tending to basic health takes precedence over school attendance and assignment completion.

Additionally, I experienced severe insomnia this year, which particularly impacted my academic performance in GNDS 380. Most nights I was unable to fall asleep until around 6:00-9:00AM, and GNDS 380 was an 8:30AM course. Struggling with little to no sleep before class started made it difficult to attend this class specifically. I was able to have strong attendance in my other two courses that were scheduled later in the day. I also have been working on figuring out what medication and medication dosages work for me. As a result, I experienced new side effects. This included feeling extreme fatigue, low energy, and nausea, which lasted a few weeks at a time, impacting my ability to be productive in my academics. For example, when I was prescribed new medication, there were a few days that I slept entirely through.

I did not drop this course earlier, because I was determined to complete the course, but the aforementioned circumstances kept that goal out of my control. I did contact the professor to plan towards the end of the semester, however, it became clear that I would have the best chance in completing the most courses through dropping this one, as it would give me more time to focus on my remaining classes and successfully complete the semester.

I have taken steps to prepare and become academically successful this semester. I opted for a lighter course load during Fall 2018 with an online course and saw a doctor with Queen's Health and Wellness to monitor my medication. Despite this, we are still working on finding the correct medication and dosage, but I am committed to figuring out the appropriate medication and dosage to treat my mental illnesses. I plan to meet my goal of graduating from Queen's University by continuing to see my family doctor and psychologist in the following school year to work towards finding the right treatment. I will continue to seek guidance and support from the Occupational Therapist available through Queen's Wellness. In terms of my academics, I will continue to take lighter course loads as I take strides into my recovery.

I am committed to resolving the underlying issues, and I am determined to successfully complete my degree. I appreciate your consideration for my appeal to drop GNDS 380 (Winter 2019) without penalty, because I believe that it affords me the best chance of success to complete my degree at Queen's University.

Thank you for your consideration,
Ashely Quan