Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Monday, March 1st, 2021

To the Associate Dean,
I am appealing to drop FREN 150A and MUSC 171 (Fall, 2020). Since January 2020, I have been on medication for anxiety and depression. The medication that was originally prescribed didn't do anything to help my mental health, and I continued to struggle. So, after a few months, I returned to my doctor and asked to switch to a different medication. This was in October. Instead of switching me to a different medication, my doctor instead doubled my dose of the same one.

This resulted in a downward spiral in my mental health. The extra dosage did the opposite of the intended result and left me debilitated and unable to do my schoolwork, housework, or take care of myself. At the time of the drop date, November 2nd, I was in the worst depressive episode of my life. There were 2 weeks in November that I rarely left my bed.

At the time, I was unable to think about the consequences of neglecting my schoolwork or even make the decision to drop any courses. My condition worsened, and I moved home with my parents in early December.

Since then, I've gone back to my family doctor and switched to a new medication that seems to be working. I also had an appointment with both a Queen's student mental health counsellor and a QSAS staff member and have registered with QSAS. I finished much of my outstanding coursework and managed to pass my other three courses. However, I had too much outstanding work in FREN 150A and MUSC 171 to finish in the timeline that I made for myself between December 22nd and 31st. This is why I am appealing to drop these courses and only these.

Lately, I have felt a lot more motivated to return to my schoolwork and start fresh in a new semester. However, I don't feel that I can truly start fresh without dropping MUSC 171 and FREN 150A. This semester, and throughout my academic career, I will continue to work on my condition, take my prescribed medication, and reach out to my counsellor when it's necessary. I have so far this semester been exercising with my housemate, which helps with my depression, and have been working hard to achieve grades in the 70-90 percent range in the 4 classes I'm currently enrolled in.

To make up for the missing credits, I plan to take extra summer courses for the next two years, while keeping my Winter 2021 schedule at four courses for the time being while I work on myself. This lighter course load will help me to stay on track this semester while I find a new routine. The extra summer courses will also help me to stay in a working mindset, while still getting a break in August.

If I could drop these two courses, I believe I could truly start anew, and build a new lifestyle that supports my academic career and my mental health. I ask for your consideration and thought on this matter and thank you for taking the time to read this letter.
Sincerely,
Chloe Richard