Petition Letter
Dear Associate Dean (Studies),
I am writing to request an appeal to retroactively drop GEOL543 (Fall 2021 and Winter 2022).
The reason for my appeal is extenuating circumstances involving clinical depression which severely hindered my ability to perform academically. My official diagnosis of clinical depression first came in 2017, and has been mostly managed since then. COVID-19 and associated effects amplified my symptoms in both the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 academic years, although steps were taken to control the illness. Events in my personal life (January 2022 - ongoing) compounded these difficulties. Combined with the open-ended, research-based nature of GEOL543, these proved to be too much. The direct effects on my academic studies included: inability to concentrate, disturbed sleep schedule, and a lack of motivation to work and research. All of these prevented me from completing the course in Winter 2022.
The course deadline was extended for me into the summer and then fall, throughout which time I attempted to work with my supervising professor Dr. Peir Pufahl to complete the thesis. At the same time, I was working with Dr. Billing of Queen's Health Services and Solita Hoogendam of Student Wellness Services to combat my symptoms. This treatment ameliorated my situation somewhat, but I was still unable to make significant progress. In the end, my supervising professor and I determined that completing my thesis was not possible at this time. This decision was made in November of 2022, after the course had been extended for me into the summer. Because of this, my appeal does not include a request to waive the appeal deadline.
My plan moving forward is to graduate without GEOL543, as I continue to work with healthcare professionals to treat my mental illness. Steps are also being taken in my family to contend with the personal event we are dealing with. I am confident that as the outlook of that situation improves, and through continued treatment, I will be able to once again manage my depression. I am currently looking to enter the workforce, and potentially return to further education once I am ready for it.
I look forward to your response and thank you for your time,
Daniele (Danny) Privé
20016769
15dczp@queensu.ca
I am writing to request an appeal to retroactively drop GEOL543 (Fall 2021 and Winter 2022).
The reason for my appeal is extenuating circumstances involving clinical depression which severely hindered my ability to perform academically. My official diagnosis of clinical depression first came in 2017, and has been mostly managed since then. COVID-19 and associated effects amplified my symptoms in both the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 academic years, although steps were taken to control the illness. Events in my personal life (January 2022 - ongoing) compounded these difficulties. Combined with the open-ended, research-based nature of GEOL543, these proved to be too much. The direct effects on my academic studies included: inability to concentrate, disturbed sleep schedule, and a lack of motivation to work and research. All of these prevented me from completing the course in Winter 2022.
The course deadline was extended for me into the summer and then fall, throughout which time I attempted to work with my supervising professor Dr. Peir Pufahl to complete the thesis. At the same time, I was working with Dr. Billing of Queen's Health Services and Solita Hoogendam of Student Wellness Services to combat my symptoms. This treatment ameliorated my situation somewhat, but I was still unable to make significant progress. In the end, my supervising professor and I determined that completing my thesis was not possible at this time. This decision was made in November of 2022, after the course had been extended for me into the summer. Because of this, my appeal does not include a request to waive the appeal deadline.
My plan moving forward is to graduate without GEOL543, as I continue to work with healthcare professionals to treat my mental illness. Steps are also being taken in my family to contend with the personal event we are dealing with. I am confident that as the outlook of that situation improves, and through continued treatment, I will be able to once again manage my depression. I am currently looking to enter the workforce, and potentially return to further education once I am ready for it.
I look forward to your response and thank you for your time,
Daniele (Danny) Privé
20016769
15dczp@queensu.ca