Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: I am writing this letter because I decided to drop ARTH 277 past the drop deadline to preserve my mental health. During the summer before the fall semester, a family member who abused me throughout my childhood moved back in with my family after years of separation. This change put a huge emotional toll on me and my mental health began tanking. This person began emotionally abusing and manipulating me in the months leading up to September. Once I moved back to Kingston for the new semester, I was planning on getting a fresh start and really focusing on my school work.

Unfortunately, the built-up stress from my home life caused my depression to flare up again (I have accommodations through QSAS for my depression and anxiety). I tried to push through but ultimately failed. I dropped a few courses to lighten my load but that wasn??t enough. My mental health continued declining which led me to locking myself in my room 24/7 and engaging in unhealthy coping mechanisms. This meant I was not attending lectures or tutorials. I could not get myself to start assignments or focus on readings. I could barely get out of bed, so I fell behind. I did not want to admit that I was struggling, so I pushed myself to try passing the course. I only had one course at this time, ARTH 277, and even that was too much for me. These symptoms began in August and became worse as time passed. I was at my worst during mid-October.

Once I realized that I had hit rock bottom and was absolutely neglecting myself, I decided to reach out for help. I booked an appointment with a counsellor, Emily Blacker, through student wellness. I met with her online for the following weeks. I decided to take the rest of the semester off to focus on my health. I moved back home because I could no longer take care of myself. I did not have any close friends or family members in Kingston to help me out. I am now successfully getting through second semester with a three-course load. I believe that my condition has improved and impacts my schoolwork much less.

My mental health severely impacted my ability to complete tests, paper, and assignments during the fall semester. I missed the majority of my in-person lectures and tutorials because I began isolating myself. I wish to drop ARTH 277 because my mental health and family problems were beyond my control.