Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: This appeal letter is being written regarding my struggles with mental health and the unexpected challenges of online learning. In my last year of high school, I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety. A recent psychological re-assessment by my clinical psychologist (Dr. Jaime Brooks, November 2020), diagnosed me with a more severe form of depression: Major Depressive Disorder. This diagnosis has come at a critical time in my education and while I have been attempting to keep up with the consistent demands of online school, my health has deteriorated drastically as a result. I believe if I dropped two of my courses from the fall semester and remain in two other courses, this would give me the time I need to focus on my mental health while balancing my education, all of which will allow me to continue my academic growth.

In the beginning of the month, I chose to drop my Statistics course in hopes it would ease some stressors. However, my academic performance was still declining. My symptoms of depression are causing me to become increasingly socially isolated, result in a depressed mood most of the day, nearly every day, significant weight loss, fatigue, excessive and inappropriate guilt as well as a diminished ability to concentrate and make decisions. At the end of September and throughout October I began to speak to a new therapist with whom I am working to manage my symptoms. I continue to consult with my medical doctor. However, I feel at times that my depression is unmanageable because my symptoms of anxiety are so acute as well. This has resulted in maladaptive behaviors like self-harm, isolation, neglect of school responsibilities and not eating enough.

I am respectfully asking if you would consider allowing me to drop my DEVS 260 course as well as PSYC 241. The work that I have submitted in these courses does not reflect my best effort, as a result of my mental health diagnosis. I have been neglecting these courses as a result of my struggles and my results to date do not reflect my capacity when my mental health is strong. Therefore, I do not want these marks to hold me back from my future potential. I believe that staying committed in my EMPR course and DEVS 230 will allow me to remain accountable for my schoolwork. A lighter course load would allow me to focus on my health while remaining dedicated to pursuing a degree at Queens.

To compensate for dropping these courses and to learn from this experience I intend to learn stress management skills as well as continue to work with my counselors and team of doctors to allow for success in my second semester. I believe that if I can identify what is causing me stress in a particular moment and learn skills to manage my emotions then I can begin to cope with the unusual challenges of online learning.

Thank you for your consideration in this matter.