Petition Letter
November 29, 2021
Dr. Jill Atkinson
Associate Dean (Academics)
Faculty of Arts and Science
Queen's University
Re: Request for appeal - Withdrawal from Fall 2021 Term
William Isaac Seaward (student 20224070)
Dear Dr. Atkinson,
Please regard this letter as my formal request for appeal to drop all my current courses for Fall 2021 and take a medical leave of absence by withdrawing from studies until Fall 2022.
Over the current semester (and in first year), I have steadily declined in my ability to both participate in and complete my coursework. Last year I attributed my struggles to the Covid situation, and hoped it would get better. Reflecting now on the current semester, I realize that I mentally shut down after approximately week 5, and became increasingly overwhelmed and agitated both by the coursework and my inability to understand anything I was learning. I attended classes but absorbed none of the material, and spent my days online researching how to complete assignments, to no avail.
The work continued to mount and I found myself less and less able to do anything about it. I knew I should reach out for academic support, but increasing anxiety and stress kept me from making that call, and I feel more and more isolated everyday. Living under my own pressure to not fail or disappoint my parents, I mistakenly believed somehow I might survive and be able to finish. It is only in the past two weeks or so that I have realized I feel like I am drowning with no way out, I feel incapable of the ability to write exams and I am in definite danger of failing these courses.
On November 12, I called my parents to share with them how I am struggling. On November 18, I met with my doctor to discuss my concerns and the extreme isolation I am feeling, and the possible realization I am suffering from some mental health issues. In reflection upon my life and academic performance with my parents, we have realized there are many signs and behavioural patterns pointing to this very real possibility. Under my doctor's care, I am now undergoing treatment and diagnosis for possible ADHD and depression, and plan to spend the time away from my studies to properly focus on this possible outcome, and seek further medical support to help me learn to cope with it.
I do not feel that my academic status in my current courses fairly reflects my abilities. I am passionate about my future studies in computer science, and I am discouraged by this setback. This appeal is a request to remove myself from the pressures of academic study and spend the time in between seeking counselling and medical support. It is my intention to return to study in the fall of 2022 after proper treatment, and have another opportunity to academically perform at the level I know I am capable of. My plan is to repeat all these courses at that time, in conjunction with regular counselling and academic support.
My physician is currently completing the Off-Campus Physician's Note and I will submit that as soon as possible in support of my appeal request.
I hope you will consider this appeal and I am available to answer any questions you may have. I can be reached at 647-884-3846.
Sincerely,
Will Seaward
Dr. Jill Atkinson
Associate Dean (Academics)
Faculty of Arts and Science
Queen's University
Re: Request for appeal - Withdrawal from Fall 2021 Term
William Isaac Seaward (student 20224070)
Dear Dr. Atkinson,
Please regard this letter as my formal request for appeal to drop all my current courses for Fall 2021 and take a medical leave of absence by withdrawing from studies until Fall 2022.
Over the current semester (and in first year), I have steadily declined in my ability to both participate in and complete my coursework. Last year I attributed my struggles to the Covid situation, and hoped it would get better. Reflecting now on the current semester, I realize that I mentally shut down after approximately week 5, and became increasingly overwhelmed and agitated both by the coursework and my inability to understand anything I was learning. I attended classes but absorbed none of the material, and spent my days online researching how to complete assignments, to no avail.
The work continued to mount and I found myself less and less able to do anything about it. I knew I should reach out for academic support, but increasing anxiety and stress kept me from making that call, and I feel more and more isolated everyday. Living under my own pressure to not fail or disappoint my parents, I mistakenly believed somehow I might survive and be able to finish. It is only in the past two weeks or so that I have realized I feel like I am drowning with no way out, I feel incapable of the ability to write exams and I am in definite danger of failing these courses.
On November 12, I called my parents to share with them how I am struggling. On November 18, I met with my doctor to discuss my concerns and the extreme isolation I am feeling, and the possible realization I am suffering from some mental health issues. In reflection upon my life and academic performance with my parents, we have realized there are many signs and behavioural patterns pointing to this very real possibility. Under my doctor's care, I am now undergoing treatment and diagnosis for possible ADHD and depression, and plan to spend the time away from my studies to properly focus on this possible outcome, and seek further medical support to help me learn to cope with it.
I do not feel that my academic status in my current courses fairly reflects my abilities. I am passionate about my future studies in computer science, and I am discouraged by this setback. This appeal is a request to remove myself from the pressures of academic study and spend the time in between seeking counselling and medical support. It is my intention to return to study in the fall of 2022 after proper treatment, and have another opportunity to academically perform at the level I know I am capable of. My plan is to repeat all these courses at that time, in conjunction with regular counselling and academic support.
My physician is currently completing the Off-Campus Physician's Note and I will submit that as soon as possible in support of my appeal request.
I hope you will consider this appeal and I am available to answer any questions you may have. I can be reached at 647-884-3846.
Sincerely,
Will Seaward