Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: To the Associate Dean of Studies,


I am appealing to drop ANAT 315 (Fall 2013), BIOL 303 (Winter 2014) and PSYC 370 (Winter 2014).

I am appealing because I have been experiencing psychological challenges that are beyond my control. I was formally diagnosed with depression two years ago, and continue to be affected by it. I began seeing a psychologist in Kingston by the name of Dr. Catherine Leblanc during second term of first year, and have been seeing her consistently since in attempt to prevent my illness from impairing my ability to function. My symptoms include a low mood, constant fatigue, disordered sleep, and problems concentrating. My illness has had a negative impact on my studies because it makes it extremely difficult to focus on any readings and assignments that need to be done, and also interferes with my ability to study for tests, midterms and final exams. My disordered sleep has made attending and being alert in classes difficult as well. As a result, during the fall term I had to choose which classes to focus my attention on because I could not keep up with all of them at once. In an attempt to catch up, I got my ANAT 315 final and lab exams deferred until after the Christmas break. Although this relieved some of the pressure, the extra time was not necessarily helpful because I was still unable to concentrate and absorb any information that I tried to study. I felt too depressed and overwhelmed to write the ANAT 315 final and lab exams, and therefore failed the course.

In order to avoid the same thing happening in second term, I reduced my course load to four courses instead of five in the hope that I might be able to cope better with a smaller workload. I also saw a doctor to have the dose of my anti-depressant medication increased. This did not seem to help my mood or ability to concentrate and be productive. Over reading week, I had a tonsillectomy and was at home on strong painkillers for two weeks. By the time I was back at school, I was already so behind in my coursework that it became too overwhelming and I could not catch up. I feel I have been unable to perform at the level that I am capable of this year. It has been extremely frustrating because I am usually a very good student, and my illness is out of my control.

I plan on continuing to see Dr. Leblanc during the next academic year, and will continue to take the anti-depressant medication. I also plan on visiting a psychiatrist to determine if my medication is a good fit for me, and to possibly get it adjusted or changed. I plan on taking 3 courses each term next year, and a fifth year so that my academics are more manageable. I will continue to be proactive and ask for help when I need it. I am committed to improving my well-being and I hope that this will ensure that I have a better academic year in 2014-2015.

Sincerely,

Allison Hammond