Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Associate Dean,

Here I am appealing to drop the 4 courses that I enrolled in Fall 2017, and also change the credit standing of FILM 236 (Winter, 2017) due to the extenuating circumstances that were beyond my control.

I have had the symptom of depression since high school but have not got it medically diagnosed until the beginning of the fall semester, 2017: After having strong suicidal thoughts and serious insomnia, I went to the clinic and was diagnosed as moderate depression. Then I started consulting with a school therapist. At first, the sickness was still manageable but in late September it went really worse: I started to have clinical manifestation during depressive episodes like running around against my will or having an overwhelming urge to hurt myself; I couldn¿¿t sleep for days and totally lost my appetite. Due to the extreme sleep deprivation, I started to have illusions as well and often had big blanks in my memory that I had to write diaries to keep myself on track. Soon later, the doctor put me on medications. In late November I decided to stop my education at Queen¿¿s University and returned to China. The reasons why I appeal to drop the courses 21 months after are that, first, I was totally incapable of doing so during the required time; second, my situation did not turn better until this February. Back then I was not sure if I will continue my study at Queen¿¿s.

The second appealing is about FILM 236. At the end of the winter of 2017, I could not finish the paper due to a depressed mood. Professor Berggold talked to me and kindly granted me a post due, which was still effective in fall 2017, but my health condition was not allowing me to finish it, now it is changed to Fail. I would be really grateful if I could finish this class properly. Not only because I failed that class, but also I have a deep interest in the class and respect for the professor.

Furthermore, I am also prepared for future study in Queen's. After two years of constant therapy and pharmacotherapy, I am back in a healthy situation and will be maintaining my regular therapy. In the first year, I was not sure about the major that I wanted, but now I am clear that I would double major in film and Hispanic study with a normal 5 courses workload. During my treatment, I have passed a level A Diplomas of Spanish as a Foreign Language examination through self-study. This will make sure that I will not be left behind and also proves my ability to study. I am also in the process of talking to both departments and academic advisor to figure out how to enroll my classes wisely in order to achieve my goals. Right now I am still in academic prohibition, but I hope my appeal could change the situation. Please believe that I was never an idle student, and have no intention to be one in the future. I am truly upset about my current academical position, however, I still have a strong faith in the future as I am now a more healthy, motivated and mature person.



Regards,

Xixi Kong
June 28, 2019