Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: 25 November 2020

To: Associate Dean (Academic)

I am appealing to drop the following four courses past the academic deadline: ENGL 100 (Fall/Winter), PHIL 111 (Fall/Winter), WRIT 125 (Fall), and GPHY 101 (Fall).

The events that have led me to make this request were unforeseen and beyond my control. I was diagnosed with ADHD in October 2020, and my psychiatrist recommended several changes to my medication which ultimately destabilized my bipolar disorder (which had been well treated for many years). Although my initial response to the ADHD therapy was positive, after a reduction in my monthly antipsychotic injection on November 3, I began to feel negative effects. On November 13, after experiencing increasing confusion, executive dysfunction, and disordered thinking, I visited the Emergency Room of my local hospital. This was followed up by several phone calls with my regular doctor and further changes to my medication, including taking me off my ADHD medication and changing the dose of my antipsychotic. These changes have not resolved my experience of confusion and disorganization. I am unable to focus on reading and writing and cannot follow along with the course material.

I attempted to follow university procedure by requesting a consideration on November 13, which was granted for the period of November 11 to 16. I also contacted my professors via email and was given a few extra days to make up the work that I missed, but because of my ongoing cognitive dysfunction, I am unable to complete the work. My Geography professor, Dr. Anne Godlewska, suggested I withdraw. I spoke with my doctor on November 20, and she concurred that withdrawal was the best course of action since I was unable to make progress in any of my classes. It is not my desired outcome as I wish I had been able to complete the term. Until mid-November, my grades were solid As and Bs.

At this time, I am frustrated and discouraged by my medication situation, but I cannot control the medications prescribed to me. I can only wait and hope that my doctor or psychiatrist makes a change that will resolve my current issues with thinking, focusing, and comprehending and that I will be able to return to my studies next year. The earliest I believe I would be able to return to my studies would be Summer or Fall 2021, at which time I would take a reduced course load as, frankly, the events of the past two weeks have shattered my confidence.

I hope this letter suffices to illustrate both the unexpected nature of my recent illness and the timeline of it, which occurred after the last day one could drop classes without penalty. It often feels as though the words for what I am feeling and thinking are inadequate to describe the reality of my distress, and it is a struggle to self-advocate when mentally ill, so I hope this is enough. Thank you very much for your consideration. I hope I can continue my studies at Queens in the future.

Sincerely,
Jessica Cole
20253716