Petition Letter
Dear Associate Dean Jenn Stephonson,
I am writing to formally request permission to drop SOCY 226 and PSYC 271 from my fall 2024 semester due to extenuating circumstances that have significantly impacted my academic performance. I understand the importance of maintaining academic rigor, and I deeply regret having to make this request, but I believe this step is necessary to address the challenges I have faced and to ensure my future academic success.
Since October 2024, I have been struggling with severe psychological challenges resulting from emotional abuse and relational trauma. These experiences have significantly affected my mental health, leading to anxiety, depression, and chronic stress. The cumulative effects of these challenges have made it increasingly difficult to function effectively and attend to my academic responsibilities. I have struggled to meet deadlines, maintain focus, and participate fully in class activities. The demands of SOCY 226 and PSYC 271, which require sustained cognitive engagement and participation, have been particularly challenging, and my performance in these courses does not reflect my true potential or effort.
Recognizing the severity of my situation, I sought professional support in November and have been working consistently with a licensed psychotherapist. My therapist has provided a letter verifying the impact of these challenges on my academic performance. Additionally, my mother, who has been an integral part of my support system (and who is also a licensed psychotherapist), has written a letter detailing the changes in my emotional and psychological state during this time. Both documents are included for your review as supporting evidence of my extenuating circumstances.
While I initially hoped to manage my coursework alongside addressing these challenges, it became increasingly clear as the semester progressed that this was not feasible. I chose not to drop the courses earlier because I was determined to meet my academic obligations and make up for the semester I took off in 2023 due to similar circumstances. However, the psychological toll of my situation ultimately became overwhelming. These difficulties were particularly pronounced in the second half of the semester, when the impact of my mental health struggles significantly hindered my ability to keep up with assessments and course requirements.
In response to these difficulties, I have taken significant steps to address my mental health and academic performance, and I am already seeing progress. Since beginning therapy, I have developed effective coping strategies that have helped me regain a sense of stability and better manage my responsibilities. For the upcoming winter semester, I plan to take less intensive courses and continue regular therapy sessions to ensure I can maintain this progress. I believe these adjustments reflect my commitment to upholding the academic standards of Queen’s University and to rebuilding my capacity for sustained success.
I deeply regret the need to make this request but am confident that it is the best course of action to support my recovery and academic future. I am grateful for your understanding and compassion in reviewing my petition. Please let me know if additional information or documentation is required.
Sincerely,
Ruby Benrubi-Morris
I am writing to formally request permission to drop SOCY 226 and PSYC 271 from my fall 2024 semester due to extenuating circumstances that have significantly impacted my academic performance. I understand the importance of maintaining academic rigor, and I deeply regret having to make this request, but I believe this step is necessary to address the challenges I have faced and to ensure my future academic success.
Since October 2024, I have been struggling with severe psychological challenges resulting from emotional abuse and relational trauma. These experiences have significantly affected my mental health, leading to anxiety, depression, and chronic stress. The cumulative effects of these challenges have made it increasingly difficult to function effectively and attend to my academic responsibilities. I have struggled to meet deadlines, maintain focus, and participate fully in class activities. The demands of SOCY 226 and PSYC 271, which require sustained cognitive engagement and participation, have been particularly challenging, and my performance in these courses does not reflect my true potential or effort.
Recognizing the severity of my situation, I sought professional support in November and have been working consistently with a licensed psychotherapist. My therapist has provided a letter verifying the impact of these challenges on my academic performance. Additionally, my mother, who has been an integral part of my support system (and who is also a licensed psychotherapist), has written a letter detailing the changes in my emotional and psychological state during this time. Both documents are included for your review as supporting evidence of my extenuating circumstances.
While I initially hoped to manage my coursework alongside addressing these challenges, it became increasingly clear as the semester progressed that this was not feasible. I chose not to drop the courses earlier because I was determined to meet my academic obligations and make up for the semester I took off in 2023 due to similar circumstances. However, the psychological toll of my situation ultimately became overwhelming. These difficulties were particularly pronounced in the second half of the semester, when the impact of my mental health struggles significantly hindered my ability to keep up with assessments and course requirements.
In response to these difficulties, I have taken significant steps to address my mental health and academic performance, and I am already seeing progress. Since beginning therapy, I have developed effective coping strategies that have helped me regain a sense of stability and better manage my responsibilities. For the upcoming winter semester, I plan to take less intensive courses and continue regular therapy sessions to ensure I can maintain this progress. I believe these adjustments reflect my commitment to upholding the academic standards of Queen’s University and to rebuilding my capacity for sustained success.
I deeply regret the need to make this request but am confident that it is the best course of action to support my recovery and academic future. I am grateful for your understanding and compassion in reviewing my petition. Please let me know if additional information or documentation is required.
Sincerely,
Ruby Benrubi-Morris