Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Dr. Jill Atkinson,

I am appealing to drop the following courses without academic penalty for the Fall 2021 term: HLTH 230, GRMN 101, MICR 360, and LLCU 214. The reason for this request is extenuating circumstances beyond my control related to both my mental and physical health. Upon return from the Thanksgiving Break, my mental health started to decline. I was experiencing frequent panic attacks and moderate anxiety and depression. To cope, I sought out the assistance of Student Wellness Services at Queen's. I tried working towards a resolution through counselling sessions and a change in psychiatric medication, but things got substantially worse.

Initially, it was thought that with a lighter course load and academic accommodations I could manage, and these changes were made just prior to the Week 8 drop deadline. However, just after the deadline, my situation deteriorated to a point where I was unable to focus on my academics and my health was impacted. My anxiety and depression became acutely severe, and I was physically sick from the change in medication. It was difficult for me to attend classes, complete coursework, and study because I had extremely low energy and struggled to concentrate.

Over my academic career Queen's, I have faced some challenges. I deferred my first year and managed to come back and complete three years successfully. Last year I was on the Dean's list and my marks for this Fall term started off strong. I have done my best to work through challenges in the past. My mental health deteriorated quickly over the last month and I do not have the capacity to focus and successfully complete my courses. I also suffer from an immune deficiency that has been impacting my physical health. I am currently going through a series of tests with specialists to improve the management of my condition. This information can be supported by additional documentation by request.

I have consulted with the mental health team at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Barrie, my family doctor and Emily Crawford, a counsellor at Queen's Student Wellness Services. I will continue to work with these professionals over the next several weeks to develop a plan for me to come back in the upcoming Winter term, if possible. If I return to my studies in January, I will have medical and counselling appointments throughout the term to set myself up for success personally and academically. After the Winter term, I hope to take some courses over the Spring and Summer and complete my degree in the Fall of 2022. If I am not ready to resume my studies in January, I will take a leave of absence for the rest of the term and return the following school year. At this point, it is premature to know the exact course I will need to take, but my intention is to complete the fourth year of my degree when my mental health improves.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,
Natalie Burgess