Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Luke Kessaram
luke.kessaram@queensu.ca
20 Tee Street
Devonshire DV 03
Bermuda

June 14, 2021

Dear Dr. Jenn Stephenson,

I am appealing to drop ARTH 460, ARTH 436, and GPHY 254.

In March 2021 I experienced a severe mental health crisis that required me to be hospitalized from March 11 to March 26. This interrupted my studies. I was placed on a new medication and I was taken off of the medication that I had previously been prescribed due to my learning disability. My mental health crisis required that I stop participating in my classes to focus on my recovery. On March 29, I was placed in a program at Hotel Dieu that I am currently still part of for my recovery. The changes in medication have impacted my cognitive abilities. My doctor at Hotel Dieu advised that I should reduce stress in order to aid in my recovery. Dropping the courses I am currently enrolled in will help my recovery by reducing the stress I am experiencing.

At the end of March, I sought guidance from Support Services at Queen's and I asked for incomplete grades with the idea that I might continue with my studies during the summer. However, my recovery is taking longer than expected and I would like to take the entire summer to recover. For this reason, I am asking to drop the three courses I am enrolled in: ARTH 460, ARTH 436, and GPHY 254. I expect that I will be in the position to continue with my studies by September 2021. I am continuing to participate in the program at Hotel Dieu hospital and they are offering therapy that with address my stress and my cognitive abilities.

I have included two letters of support with this appeal. Please let me know if you require additional information.

Sincerely,

Luke Kessaram
10050862