Manage Appeals
Petition Type: New
ID: 9301
Submitted: June 14, 2022 at 4:55:11 PM
First Name: Peri
Last Name: Ronca
Student Number: 20295144
Email: peri.ronca@queensu.ca
Degree Program: BA
Plan: ARTH
Level of Study: 1
Petition Categories
Petition Categories: Waive the requirement to withdraw for one year
Petition Letter
Petition Letter: Please accept this letter as my formal appeal to the faculty's decision that I must withdraw from Queen's University for a minimum of one year. During the 2021/22 school year I was unable to fulfill my responsibilities as a student to complete my coursework and achieve the grades required to return to studies. I relapsed into a severe depression in late October 2021 and it continued to affect my studies until April 2022.
This year, in my first year at Queen's, I went from being a student on academic scholarship to being dismissed. I have maintained exceptional grades throughout my entire academic career until now, including grades 9-12 in the International Baccalaureate program.
My fight with depression coupled with anxiety and obsessive compulsive disorder was a long and draining battle. I was unable to get out of bed and take care of myself. I withdrew from all aspects of my life and rarely left my dormitory. With each day that passed, I became more and more depressed and lost hope of getting well again. I did not have a support system and was too sick to reach out for help. As a result of this mental health crisis, I missed several deadlines and did not complete enough coursework to enter second year.
Mental illness is so difficult to recognize, talk about, and function with. I was ill prepared to cope with my depression and I could not see what was happening to me. As my mental health deteriorated, I was more and more isolated and overwhelmed. Now I am able to spot the warning signs of mental illness so I can proactively coordinate the support I need rather than facing it on my own.
I take full responsibility for my failure to meet my program requirements and I understand the seriousness of my situation. I am submitting this appeal to share my story in a desperate plea for a second chance. I am devastated that I have let the university, my family, and myself down. I am prepared to do anything it takes to fix my failures and show how much Queen's means to me.
This year, in my first year at Queen's, I went from being a student on academic scholarship to being dismissed. I have maintained exceptional grades throughout my entire academic career until now, including grades 9-12 in the International Baccalaureate program.
My fight with depression coupled with anxiety and obsessive compulsive disorder was a long and draining battle. I was unable to get out of bed and take care of myself. I withdrew from all aspects of my life and rarely left my dormitory. With each day that passed, I became more and more depressed and lost hope of getting well again. I did not have a support system and was too sick to reach out for help. As a result of this mental health crisis, I missed several deadlines and did not complete enough coursework to enter second year.
Mental illness is so difficult to recognize, talk about, and function with. I was ill prepared to cope with my depression and I could not see what was happening to me. As my mental health deteriorated, I was more and more isolated and overwhelmed. Now I am able to spot the warning signs of mental illness so I can proactively coordinate the support I need rather than facing it on my own.
I take full responsibility for my failure to meet my program requirements and I understand the seriousness of my situation. I am submitting this appeal to share my story in a desperate plea for a second chance. I am devastated that I have let the university, my family, and myself down. I am prepared to do anything it takes to fix my failures and show how much Queen's means to me.
Academic Plan
Academic Plan: The most impactful step I have taken is forming a proper support system. I have seen my family doctor and have attached a note confirming the extent of my circumstance. I have found a licensed therapist to see on a weekly basis as part of my effort to avoid last year's crisis. I am meeting with my psychiatrist, Dr. Nosheen, on July 5th 2022 to adjust my medication. In addition to my doctor, therapist, and my psychiatrist, I have scheduled a meeting with an academic advisor to further strengthen my plan to return to studies.
My professors have been understanding of my situation and have allowed me to turn in missing assignments to be re-graded. By accepting these late assignments, my professors have given me a chance to improve my GPA and meet the standards for returning to Queen's. They will confirm that when I hand in my work, I do a good job. I am taking this initiative regardless of the outcome of my appeal in order to demonstrate my dedication and respect for the faculty. Their compassion has motivated me and shown me that I can do this.
My family has become a tremendous support. I am stronger and better equipped to handle the challenges of university. I have developed new skills to ensure a successful school year. I have greatly improved my communication skills through regular check-ins with my support team and reaching out the moment I feel overwhelmed.
I have developed a passion for Art History at Queen's. I plan to pursue a degree in Art History upon my return with a renewed focus and positive outlook on my future. Coming back to Queen's this fall is critical to my wellness, a sentiment that is supported by my doctor, my family, and myself.
Since receiving the treatment I needed, my mental health has drastically improved. It is a journey and will no doubt have ups and downs, but what is different this time is that I have the resources and support team to help me push through and thrive. I am a successful student. I have always remained an intelligent and high achieving student - I was very sick. Please trust that I will succeed this year, I will not let you down. Thank you for your time and consideration.
My professors have been understanding of my situation and have allowed me to turn in missing assignments to be re-graded. By accepting these late assignments, my professors have given me a chance to improve my GPA and meet the standards for returning to Queen's. They will confirm that when I hand in my work, I do a good job. I am taking this initiative regardless of the outcome of my appeal in order to demonstrate my dedication and respect for the faculty. Their compassion has motivated me and shown me that I can do this.
My family has become a tremendous support. I am stronger and better equipped to handle the challenges of university. I have developed new skills to ensure a successful school year. I have greatly improved my communication skills through regular check-ins with my support team and reaching out the moment I feel overwhelmed.
I have developed a passion for Art History at Queen's. I plan to pursue a degree in Art History upon my return with a renewed focus and positive outlook on my future. Coming back to Queen's this fall is critical to my wellness, a sentiment that is supported by my doctor, my family, and myself.
Since receiving the treatment I needed, my mental health has drastically improved. It is a journey and will no doubt have ups and downs, but what is different this time is that I have the resources and support team to help me push through and thrive. I am a successful student. I have always remained an intelligent and high achieving student - I was very sick. Please trust that I will succeed this year, I will not let you down. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Documentation
Professional Letter: grandviewmedical-1.jpeg
Professional Letter Detail: Letter from my Medical Doctor
History
Originally submitted June 14, 2022 at 4:55:11 PM.
| Field | Reference | Old Value | New Value | Note | User | Date/Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| status | N/A | Received | In Review | Spring Forsberg | 2022-06-15 8:54:11 AM | |
| status | N/A | In Review | Withdrawn | Spring Forsberg | 2022-06-22 12:18:20 PM |