Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Dr. Stephenson,
I am petitioning to drop the following classes past the drop deadline:
HIST 106, HIST 109, GPHY 101 (Winter term 2023), POLS 243, POLS 261, POLS 211 (Fall term 2023), POLS 212, EMPR 200, LAW 201, HIST 241 (Winter term 2024).
I am also petitioning for credit standing in the following two classes: ENGL 100, POLS 110 (Winter term 2023).
The extenuating circumstances for me have revolved around my mental health and diagnosis of Major depressive disorder. This began in January of 2023 when I was having difficulty concentrating, sleeping, brain fog, memory loss, lack of motivation and overall, not feeling myself. The noted symptoms began to make academic life in university an insurmountable challenge.
I took many steps to address this problem I was facing. I accessed my family doctor, took medication as prescribed, joined the Getting Through Together wellness talk group, I accessed Wendy Morrison at Student Wellness, I received academic accommodations, and I also joined the group Managing the Blues and the Reds. I had 2 inpatient stays at KGH which led to a referral to AMHS-KFLA where I have been connected to psychiatry and a Case Manager, both whom I have been seeing weekly.
The reason behind this request being so late in this process is that it has taken me up to this point to gather the mental energy and support to address this. Throughout the terms here at Queen’s I was hopeful and optimistic that my symptoms would turn around before the drop deadline so I could properly assess my standing in each of the classes. However, at each deadline I was seriously struggling with my symptoms alongside stress and anxiety. Due to my increasing symptoms, my ability to complete the work was so minimal even as I tried to complete coursework in my classes I continued to struggle mightily. Over the course of time, with my symptoms increasing, trying different medications, side effects of medications, hospitalizations’, difficulty eating, seeking support and recognizing that I also have symptoms of a major sleep disorder everything began to compound. It wasn’t until a conversation with my psychiatrist and Case Manager presented the actuality of my situation and with their support, I was able to work at this petition.
Regarding the 2 credit standing petitions. It has been one year and the examinations for these classes have already been completed. Due to my circumstances, the grades in this class are significantly lower than they could have been if compared to my first term. Even if the university presented me with the opportunity to complete coursework it is in the opinion of my psychiatrist that I am not yet capable of managing this. My current care plan entails meeting with my psychiatrist and care team throughout the summer break, following all recommendations presented to me by my care team which include taking medication as prescribed, resting and self-care. Following these recommendations, my care team is optimistic that I will be able to make a recovery over the next few months. When I return to school in September, I plan to continue accessing all support to ensure that my recovery continues.
Regarding the future of the fall term 2024, I am going to maintain consistent contact with my medical care team who will continue to assess my wellbeing to ensure my recovery. Additionally, academically I plan to continue to use all services that the university offers, as well as monitor my progress in each of my courses to ensure that I am staying within the timelines and recognizing if I start to fall behind to ensure there is enough time to achieve all course outcomes. I have a more detailed letter written explaining and further addressing the chronology of events more so than I able to do within this letter. I will attach that letter and medical documentation, along with this one in my petition. If you or the Faculty have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to email me at 21ladb@queensu.ca
Additionally, I would appreciate an opportunity to meet in person with the Associate Dean (Academic), an Academic Advisor/Appeals Coordinator before the end of April to discuss the situation, so I have knowledge of the way forward. I understand the significance and severity of this situation. I would appreciate an opportunity to explain everything that's happened in more detail in person, before a judgment on my petition.

Regards,

Liam Bridger