Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: To the Associate Dean (Studies),


I am appealing for an extension of the Incomplete (IN) deadline for PHIL 250 (Fall/Winter, 2018/2019), and for Aegrotat standing for PHIL 257 (Fall/Winter, 2018/2019); provided that Aegrotat standing is not granted for PHIL 257, I would also appeal for an extension of the IN deadline for that course as well.


I have multiple extenuating circumstances that are difficult to address in a letter. The predominant one affecting academics is that I have been suffering from severe chronic mental illness that has affected my academic performance beyond the duration of my university career. Over time, my symptoms have worsened enough to often prevent me from progressing with my studies at a level that I believe I should be able to, when I experience less severe episodes. The course of my mental illness is unpredictable, and I have continued to attempt studies almost every academic year, in case my circumstances are manageable.


For a long time, I tried to manage on my own for various reasons (I won't outline here but can provide if necessary). Over the last few years, I have connected with medical professionals and have found a psychiatrist who I have been regularly consulting with long-term. I have tried many treatments, including counselling, for my illness and have been in and out of hospital.


This past academic year, I attended on-campus courses and studied while being an inpatient in hospital. I would attend classes, then return to the hospital. My psychiatrist supported and encouraged my choice to continue my efforts and engagement on school. I also had a variety of other supports while at the hospital.


For Fall/Winter 2018/2019, I registered with Accessibility Services and accommodations for the first time, because I hadn't known that resource was open to me. I enrolled in the minimum full-time course load for the year, but I struggled to manage through the Fall. I used one course, ECON 112-700 (Fall, 2018) as a Pass/Fail Interest Credit. I continued with both PHIL 250 and PHIL 257 because they are degree requirements for my program. Additionally, I wanted to avoid having to attempt them again another year because I have already made multiple attempts. I also continued with the courses because with the supports from my psychiatrist, the hospital, and accommodations, I managed to complete the Fall evaluations in good standing. So, I reasonably expected to be able to complete the courses.


Unexpectedly, I had a more difficult time managing during Winter 2019 term. I proactively changed my course load to part-time and focused on PHIL 250 and PHIL 257. Many of the accommodations that I was registered for weren't helpful in my situation beyond seeking extensions for work. Despite the time and effort that I have been investing, my progress through PHIL 250 and PHIL 257 has slowed. I requested IN for both courses because I intend to complete the courses. My summer has been dedicated to attempting to complete the courses; I have no other obligations.


Since the end of Winter 2019 term, I was discharged from hospital, so I no longer have the support systems from the hospital. I continue to have regular appointments with my psychiatrist. But I am still struggling.


I am appealing for Aegrotat standing for PHIL 257 in lieu of an extension for IN because the professor suggested that I would qualify with enough of the coursework completed by the original IN deadline and writing the Final Exam would not be necessary. I am appealing for extension of IN for PHIL 250 because I will not be able to complete the remaining coursework and the final exam by the initial deadline. I have contacted both professors, and they have expressed support for my appeals.


My plan during future studies includes regular contact with psychiatrist, re-registering for accommodations, and trying to find other resources that may help to support me. I do not wish to change my program of studies because of academic and career goals. I realize that I am currently enrolled in a full-time course load for Fall 2019 term. The reasoning behind this includes: not drawing out the completion of my program; requirements for academic and career goals; and inability to predict which courses/course combinations will be manageable. As of now, my course enrolment is provisional and I have not finalized my plan for Fall 2019 term. I am aware of the Academic Calendar deadlines and I will seek assistance and advice regarding my plan for studies.


Although my condition hasn't improved and it is difficult to manage, I want to attempt to take on as much as I can while I have the opportunity to.


Thank you for your time and consideration.


Sincerely,


Nancy Shiao-Yin Chua
Student Number 05277663
4nsc@queensu.ca