Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dr. Jenn Stephenson
Associate Dean, Faculty of Arts & Sciences
Queen¿¿s University
Telephone: 613.533.2470
Email: f2deans@queensu.ca
Dear Dr. Jenn Stephenson:
Re: Appeal to drop courses without penalty due to mental health issues.
I am writing to you to request your approval to drop without penalty Math 110, Math 120,
Phys 104/106, Chem 112 (fall/winter 2020/21) and Bio 103. There were several personal
events that occurred in my life as I was transitioning to University in September 2020. In
particular, Covid restrictions had drastically changed the landscape of my first year, my aunt
was terminally ill, and I had broken up with my girlfriend of 3.5 years. However, given many
opportunities to stay in Calgary, I chose to move out to Kingston.
I knew this year would be different than most but I did not anticipate the affect it would
have on my mental health. I have trained as an elite athlete for most of my life (ski racing) and I
am used to pushing through discomfort. I had every expectation I could do the same with the
mental health issues I was facing.
However, beginning in September, I began procrastinating much of my work. I couldn¿¿t
shake the thought of ¿¿what¿¿s the point¿. I knew I was not in a good place mentally, but truly
thought if I could just push through it, it would get better.
I reached out to QSAS and talked with a few people about how to handle University, but
nothing seemed to click. Additionally, my aunt passed away in October from metastatic breast
cancer, and that was shortly followed by my grandmother¿¿s diagnosis of cancer and my
grandfather¿¿s having emergency heart surgery (all between October and December).
After breaking multiple Covid residence rules, I was asked to leave residenceat the end
of the first semester. As I returned to Calgary, I felt as though I had to face all the problems I
had left behind. I bore the burden of feeling inadequate to those I hold in high regard.
Nothing has felt quite right since then. My drive to focus and involve myself in life has
lessened to the lowest point I have ever experienced. For the past two months, I have been
seeing a health-care professional to try and resolve my issues, strengthen my coping skills, and
develop both structures and thought patterns that will enable me to return to full-time studies at
2
Queen¿¿s in September 2021 set up for success.
I am also trying to fill my days with things I enjoy to combat the sense of futility I am
feeling. This includes a part-time job that I work at 15 hours a week. I find the structure and
routine of work, as well as the in-person interaction with other people beneficial to my mental
health.
I am proposing that, with your approval, I start afresh in September 2021 and retake all of
my classes listed above. I have plans to move into a house in Kingston in May and very much
want to return to university studies.
Between now and September, I will continue to meet with my health-care professionals
with the goal of getting myself prepared to handle a full return. I will also work to develop a solid
schedule and work-plan. These are some things I lacked last year and I seethis approach will
help me tremendously if I implement correctly.
Thank you for your consideration. I hope to hear from you soon.
Sincerely,
Henry Culver