Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Dr. Jenn Stephenson - Arts and Sciences Associate Dean (Academic),

My name is Sean Seokwoo Lee, and I am a third year Concurrent Education student in a History and English plan. I am petitioning to drop HIST 216 (Fall 2022) and HIST 241 (Winter 2023). As well, I am petitioning for a credit standing (CR) in HIST 217 (Fall 2022) and HIST 231 (Winter 2023).

Over the course of the 2022/2023 school year, I experienced a debilitating mental health condition that severely affected my ability to complete coursework. Although I was affected throughout the school year, the periods that I was most affected were during the months of October, November, February, and March. The timing of the most severe symptoms during these months was not ideal as they flared up past the final drop deadline in October/February and would be difficult to manage as it would occur during the heaviest workload of the semester. Although I was able to complete work in other classes, the four courses listed above were the hardest to manage as the assignments corresponded with the timing of my worst symptoms throughout the semester.

I attempted to take steps to manage my mental health throughout the school year, but it was difficult balancing my schoolwork and mental wellbeing. I met with a counsellor at Student Wellness consistently and met with Queen’s Student Academic Success Services to help manage my mental health and school workload. However, I soon found out that improving mental health is not an overnight process, and it can sometimes take years before answers can be uncovered.

It was only after I reached a crisis when I realized that I needed to take more immediate action. In March 2023, I walked into my friend’s living room, and I sat on her couch as I started telling her what was going on. She made me realize that what I was going through was not normal and that I should really prioritize seeking help.

During St. Patrick’s Day weekend, I went home to my family doctor, who diagnosed me with bipolar disorder and prescribed me with medication to help with my deteriorating mental state. After experiencing what I went through this past school year, it was amazing to have supportive parents, siblings, and friends who helped me with this process.

My doctor filled out the paperwork necessary so that I could register with Queen’s Student Accessibility Services (QSAS). As mentioned in the paperwork that I have attached to this petition, I was only able to register in April 2023, so I was not able to use my accommodations for any of the courses above. As well, because I did not have any paperwork or any diagnosis prior to April 2023, I was not able to have access to any QSAS advisors, and it took me a while to understand how the registration process with QSAS works.

Moving forward, I now have accommodations and have access to a QSAS advisor in case any other extenuating circumstances occur. I am also taking medication and regularly meeting with a therapist in order to monitor my mental health. I know that Student Wellness is always available in times of crisis, and I know exactly where to go as I have experience from previous years. As well, I have built a support system with my friends and family to ensure that I can better manage my mental health in the future. Finally, I have been transparent with my professors, and I have ensured to keep a communication line open with them so that they understand if things ever do go wrong. To make up for the dropped history credits, I plan to take courses over the summer. I

already took one course last summer, and I am planning on taking one this upcoming summer to ensure that I graduate on time. I understand that it is my responsibility to take control of my learning, and I am taking all of these steps that I can to ensure that I am setting myself up for success.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read through this letter and review my petition. Please contact me if you have any questions or further clarification regarding any content of this petition letter. I look forward to hearing back regarding the decision of this petition.