Petition Letter
March 31, 2016
Dear Associate Dean,
Re: Academic Appeal
Student: Caylin Lowe (SN: 10184670)
I am filing an appeal regarding the fall (2015) and winter (2016) semesters. I am requesting that my fall semesters marks be labeled as CR status and my winter semesters classes be dropped late. This is due to extenuating circumstances concerning my mental health. I am at a disadvantage academically due to my mental health, which has caused problems with concentration, memory, time management, stress related anxiety and depression. In both semesters, I started strongly and received good grades and had a positive outlook. However, I began to lack motivation. I have left the University and am at home seeking medical and family support. My fall semesters marks are not a reflection of my academic ability.
My illness impacted my schoolwork in many ways. I began missing tutorials and lectures, and fell very behind in first semester. I took steps to have academic deadlines pushed for my classes, and still could not meet these deadlines. The strain of school greatly impacted my state of mind, and I suffered, to the extent that I did not attend one of my December exams.
Being a first year student, I was living in residence during the fall semester. I thought that living in residence was impacting my mental health significantly, therefore I moved out of residence to complete winter semester. This did not relieve any of my symptoms and it became clear professional treatment would become necessary. I made appointments with Mr. Freeman Woolnough, a residence life counsellor, to address the issues and connect with resources. I also attempted multiple times to contact Student Health Services but was never able to book an appointment.
A pattern repeated itself during winter semester. I started off strong and confident, yet I fell back into my rut. After my sixth emergency room visit, and a clear diagnosis from a psychiatrist I decided to return to my hometown of Hamilton. I have been living in Hamilton since March 6th, 2016. I am receiving professional treatment and have medical documentation to support this. I have missed tests and deadlines for many of my classes, and I will surely fail if these classes if I am not granted a late drop. I am uncertain at this time how long I will be absent from Queen¿¿s. I do not wish this year¿¿s set-backs to tarnish by academic transcript, as I know I am capable of achieving higher marks and being successful at Queen¿¿s University when my health is able to be managed.
For future success while attending Queen¿¿s, I will set-up resources in Kingston, attend counselling sessions and use on campus services for academic success. I am confident that with taking a recommended amount of time off, that I will be able to return to health and begin my academic life again. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Most Sincerely,
Caylin Lowe
14cl83@queensu.ca
Dear Associate Dean,
Re: Academic Appeal
Student: Caylin Lowe (SN: 10184670)
I am filing an appeal regarding the fall (2015) and winter (2016) semesters. I am requesting that my fall semesters marks be labeled as CR status and my winter semesters classes be dropped late. This is due to extenuating circumstances concerning my mental health. I am at a disadvantage academically due to my mental health, which has caused problems with concentration, memory, time management, stress related anxiety and depression. In both semesters, I started strongly and received good grades and had a positive outlook. However, I began to lack motivation. I have left the University and am at home seeking medical and family support. My fall semesters marks are not a reflection of my academic ability.
My illness impacted my schoolwork in many ways. I began missing tutorials and lectures, and fell very behind in first semester. I took steps to have academic deadlines pushed for my classes, and still could not meet these deadlines. The strain of school greatly impacted my state of mind, and I suffered, to the extent that I did not attend one of my December exams.
Being a first year student, I was living in residence during the fall semester. I thought that living in residence was impacting my mental health significantly, therefore I moved out of residence to complete winter semester. This did not relieve any of my symptoms and it became clear professional treatment would become necessary. I made appointments with Mr. Freeman Woolnough, a residence life counsellor, to address the issues and connect with resources. I also attempted multiple times to contact Student Health Services but was never able to book an appointment.
A pattern repeated itself during winter semester. I started off strong and confident, yet I fell back into my rut. After my sixth emergency room visit, and a clear diagnosis from a psychiatrist I decided to return to my hometown of Hamilton. I have been living in Hamilton since March 6th, 2016. I am receiving professional treatment and have medical documentation to support this. I have missed tests and deadlines for many of my classes, and I will surely fail if these classes if I am not granted a late drop. I am uncertain at this time how long I will be absent from Queen¿¿s. I do not wish this year¿¿s set-backs to tarnish by academic transcript, as I know I am capable of achieving higher marks and being successful at Queen¿¿s University when my health is able to be managed.
For future success while attending Queen¿¿s, I will set-up resources in Kingston, attend counselling sessions and use on campus services for academic success. I am confident that with taking a recommended amount of time off, that I will be able to return to health and begin my academic life again. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Most Sincerely,
Caylin Lowe
14cl83@queensu.ca