Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Associate Dean Stephenson,
I am writing to you today in hopes of appealing to drop three (3) courses: LAW 207 (Fall, 2019); POLS 359 (Fall, 2019); and, POLS 384 (Fall, 2019).
I am hoping that you will honour my request, as prior to the 2019 Fall Semester, I was sexually assaulted thrice over the span of July 2018-May 2019. The most recent instance taking place at the Herstmonceux Castle during my 2019 Summer Semester. Because the instance occurred in such an isolated place, it was much harder to manage; there was nowhere to escape that individual and I did not feel comfortable reporting the instance, as it occurred the second week of studies. Additionally, when I arrived home, I could not confide in my family as there was ongoing issues; both unrelated, as well as, related to the first assault (previously mentioned). So, I continued to pretend as though the instances of sexual assault were manageable, leading me to go into a state of disassociation as a result of the extremely traumatic events.
Upon returning to Queen's, I have been forced to see this individual on numerous occasions. As well, the instance has dramatically increased previous diagnoses of depression and anxiety, as well as, preventing me from sleeping. Additionally, I have lost over 30 pounds since May 2019 because I can no longer eat - I am now 5'5, 103 lbs. This has severely impacted my studies for a number of reasons. First, as I mentioned, I can no longer sleep; so, I am always exhausted and frequently oversleep - missing class as a result. Additionally, although I was attending classes, I was not absorbing or retaining any information - a common result of disassociation. As well, because the individual attends Queen's, my anxiety about leaving the house had increased to the severity of me exclusively leaving to go to class and was often late to class as a result. Moreover, because of my extreme weight loss, I usually have zero physical or mental energy; plus, my body dysmorphia is heightened, increasing my overall anxiety levels and desire to avoid social situations.
I am hoping to drop these courses so that I can focus on the therapy that I am now receiving without negatively affecting my mental health progress or my academics. Previously, I believed that I would be able to manage both these things at once, however, this has proven to not be possible. Before November 1st, I dropped one of my courses (RELS 221) in hopes of lightening my schedule and improving my mental health. Yet, several breakdowns have proven this to not be the case.
I am hoping to remain in one of my courses, RELS 321, because the final assessment is a take-home exam. Thus, I can go home to my family and complete my course studies from there, rather than in my stressful school environment. As well, with a much lighter course load, I will be able to focus on both my professionally-lead mental health progress and my academics without overwhelming myself (which I was doing before).
Additionally, I am now taking many positive steps to approach this issue and be able to positively come back to Queen's for the Winter 2020 Semester. These include, meeting with Barbara Lotan, who led me to (ongoing) attending therapy at KGH from Jennifer Beaver (Social Worker). Also, I am now on anti-anxiety medication, as well as, medication to assist my sleeping irregularities. I am also taking positive steps to better my mental health in my personal life as well, including participating in yoga and group-therapy. Moreover, I have ensured to the best of my ability that I will not have to see this individual anymore. Finally, I have lightened my course-load for the Winter 2020 Semester, so that I will not become overwhelmed with my academic responsibilities.

I hope that you hear my concerns and approve my request.
All the best and happy holidays.

Sincerely,
Alyanna Royce