Petition Letter
Dr. Johanne Benard and Dr. Hugh Horton
Associate Dean (Studies)
Dunning Hall - First Floor,
94 University Avenue
Queen's University
Kingston, ON Canada
K7L 3N6
October 17, 2014
Dear Dr. Johanne Benard and Dr. Hugh Horton,
I am appealing to complete the majority of my third and fourth years of my Bachelor of
Science (Hons.) Majoring in Life Science degree at another post-secondary institution.
Specifically, I wish to take 2 courses (6.0 credits) at the University of Guelph while taking 3
courses (9.0 credits) via correspondence with Queen¿¿s in the Winter 2015 semester and take 10
courses (30.0 credits) at McMaster University in the 2015/2016 academic year.
During the Winter 2014 semester, I began experiencing successive panic attacks and
severe anxiety consistently for a month and half. This resulted in my inability to concentrate,
make decisions and work towards my degree. I then decided to return home and seek treatment
from my own family doctor. I was diagnosed with major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety
disorder, and panic disorder and immediately initiated treatment with my family doctor and
psychotherapist. Although I anticipated returning to school in the Fall of 2014 as my doctor
expected I was unable to due to the progression of my illness. At this time per my doctor and
psychotherapist recommendation I was admitted into an intensive inpatient treatment at the
Homewood Health Centre in Guelph, ON.
My plan for the future is to complete my degree while receiving support from my various
mental health professionals. In order to do this I plan to live in Guelph for the remainder of the
academic year, attending the University of Guelph for the Winter 2015 semester. By doing so I
can continue to meet regularly with my psychotherapist, psychologist, family doctor, physiatrist
and support groups. I then plan to attend McMaster University in Hamilton so that I am within a
reasonable distance to meet with my mental health supports semi-regularly while still
experiencing living independently in another city. In this way I believe I will be able to be
consistent and focused on my studies and be able to complete my goal of getting my Bachelor
(Hons.) degree.
Thank you for your consideration. If you need any further information I would be happy
to provide it. I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Gabriella Staunton
Associate Dean (Studies)
Dunning Hall - First Floor,
94 University Avenue
Queen's University
Kingston, ON Canada
K7L 3N6
October 17, 2014
Dear Dr. Johanne Benard and Dr. Hugh Horton,
I am appealing to complete the majority of my third and fourth years of my Bachelor of
Science (Hons.) Majoring in Life Science degree at another post-secondary institution.
Specifically, I wish to take 2 courses (6.0 credits) at the University of Guelph while taking 3
courses (9.0 credits) via correspondence with Queen¿¿s in the Winter 2015 semester and take 10
courses (30.0 credits) at McMaster University in the 2015/2016 academic year.
During the Winter 2014 semester, I began experiencing successive panic attacks and
severe anxiety consistently for a month and half. This resulted in my inability to concentrate,
make decisions and work towards my degree. I then decided to return home and seek treatment
from my own family doctor. I was diagnosed with major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety
disorder, and panic disorder and immediately initiated treatment with my family doctor and
psychotherapist. Although I anticipated returning to school in the Fall of 2014 as my doctor
expected I was unable to due to the progression of my illness. At this time per my doctor and
psychotherapist recommendation I was admitted into an intensive inpatient treatment at the
Homewood Health Centre in Guelph, ON.
My plan for the future is to complete my degree while receiving support from my various
mental health professionals. In order to do this I plan to live in Guelph for the remainder of the
academic year, attending the University of Guelph for the Winter 2015 semester. By doing so I
can continue to meet regularly with my psychotherapist, psychologist, family doctor, physiatrist
and support groups. I then plan to attend McMaster University in Hamilton so that I am within a
reasonable distance to meet with my mental health supports semi-regularly while still
experiencing living independently in another city. In this way I believe I will be able to be
consistent and focused on my studies and be able to complete my goal of getting my Bachelor
(Hons.) degree.
Thank you for your consideration. If you need any further information I would be happy
to provide it. I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Gabriella Staunton