Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Dr. Stephenson,

I am appealing for credit standing in BIOL 102 (Fall 2018) ; BIOL 103 (Winter 2019) ; CHEM 112B (Winter 2019) ; PHAR 100 (Winter 2019) ; PHYS 117B (Winter 2019) ; PSYC 100B (Winter 2019) ; CHEM 211 (Fall 2019) ; GNDS 445 (Fall 2021) ; DRAM 303 (Winter 2022)

as well as

For late drop of courses in ANAT 100 (Winter 2019) ; PHGY 215 (Fall 2020) ; GLPH 385 (Summer 2020) ; PSYC 100 (Summer 2020) ; PSYC 397 (Fall 2020) ; GLPH 471 (Winter 2021) ; GNDS 380 (Winter 2021) ; GNDS 280 (Summer 2021) ; GNDS 380 (Summer 2021) ; HIST 283 (Winter 2022) ; LLCU 395 (Winter 2022)


Throughout my time as a student at Queen??s University (from Fall 2018 to today), I have struggled immensely with my mental health, and several acute mental illnesses. I have been on numerous different medications, seen psychiatrists and therapists, made visits to the ER, and tried lifestyle changes to alleviate some of my symptoms and side effects.

The best solution I have found is medication, though this does not come without challenges - readjusting to different combinations and doses, as well as changing prescriptions frequently has led to massive issues with my sleep, appetite, and motivation. I find myself sleeping for 20 hours or not at all. Certain medications make me anxious to the point I cannot leave the house. I am currently struggling with metabolic issues, as well as anhedonia. Medication has impacted almost every aspect of my daily functioning, usually to the detriment of my academic performance and day-to-day abilities to cope.

Ultimately, over the past four years (Fall 2018-2022), I have not functioned to the best of my abilities, and have significantly struggled to attend classes, meet deadlines, and find passion for my studies. Medication causing me to feel groggy beyond belief and unable to get out of bed, withdrawal symptoms when changing medication, and total loss of motivation are some of the side effects I have dealt with on top of my pre-existing mental health issues, and evidently impacted my performance in numerous classes. I have recently been able to manage a heavier course load, but ultimately have found myself dropping the ball in one or two courses, generally as a result of not reaching out to professors for extensions or accommodations, and feeling ashamed of the way my health issues have imposed on my academic abilities. Covid-19, social isolation, and subsequent anxiety about my physical health were also a significant recent factor in missing classes and feeling unable to communicate my needs.

Looking back, I absolutely should have committed to a reduced course load, taken time off school, and taken the time to truly assess my health issues and potential solutions. I allowed myself to fall victim to toxic productivity and performance culture, and felt that withdrawing for a semester or taking time off to prioritize health meant I was a failure. After discussing and unlearning these values in therapy, I am planning on taking off the Fall 2022 semester to find medication that helps, rather than hinders, my functioning, while also improving my mental health. If needed, I will also take Winter 2023 off, and will not be returning to studies until I am in a better place mentally, and more confident in my care plan and professionals.

I am looking forward to returning to my studies and completing my degree once I have figured out the best next steps forward for my mental health, and solidified a treatment plan / regimen that enables my success, rather than hinders it. I am immensely grateful to Student Wellness Services for their care and support throughout my time at Queen??s so far, and to all my professors that have encouraged me to focus on myself for the time being.

Thank you very much,

Tayte Gossling
20103033