Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Dr. Johanne Bénard (Associate Dean, Studies),

I am appealing to drop GNDS 280 Special Topics: Critical Approaches to Solidarity and Alliance Work (Winter 2015). In this letter I will provide you with information regarding my reasons for the appeal.

In the beginning of 2014-2015 school year I have been suffering from an unknown form of mental illness that prevented me from taking a full load of five courses. In first semester, I performed well academically by only taking three courses, and this also allowed me to take care of my health. Moreover, I allowed myself to become involved in several extra curricular activities, volunteer work, clubs, and two paid part-time jobs. After Christmas break, I thought that I was mentally healthy enough to take on five courses. However, I was wrong with my decision because my level of stress severely increased that I had no choice but to make a visit with my family doctor. On March 4th, 2015 my doctor diagnosed me with anxiety and depression. She prescribed me with medication that will take me three to four weeks to adjust to. Although Queen's Disability Services and my professors gave me accommodations with assignments, my current health condition is preventing me from performing my full academic potential. My grades in my current courses have been continuously dropping, which is deteriorating my mental health condition day by day. I have become hesitant to attend lectures because I would experience anxiety attacks in class, and would not want anyone to see me in this condition. After making several visits with my doctor, professors, academic counselor, and Queen's disability services counselor, I have made a final decision that dropping at least one course is best for both my health and academics. This was a very difficult decision for me to make because I have very high expectations for myself as a student, and dropping a course seemed shameful to me. However, professionals have reminded me the importance of taking care of my health first before anything else. Therefore, appealing to drop GNDS 280 is the ultimate decision that I have made for myself.

My goal is to take lighter course loads during the school year until I feel officially well enough to take five courses. I plan on taking summer courses to obtain credits that I have missed during the school year. I hope that my medication and continuous visits to counselors will assist me to recover from my illness and ultimately achieve academic success.

Thank you for your time in reviewing my circumstance, and I hope that my letter has provided you with my deep sincerity and honesty. I can also e-mail you with the accommodation letter that Queen's Disability Services had provided me with. My intension was to attach the letter to this appeal but, the system will not allow me to upload this one file. However, I did provide you with my disability documentation form that my doctor has filled out for me at our last appointment. I would greatly appreciate it if you can let me know with your final decision as soon as possible.


Sincerely,

Hyelim (Rosa) Kwon