Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Associate Dean,

I am petitioning to drop the majority of my classes taken in my first year at Queen’s, the 2023-2024 academic year. These courses are GNDS125, SOCY122, ENGL114, GNDS120, and HIST104. The extenuating circumstance preventing me from completing these courses was a severe and prolonged depressive episode beginning in October of 2023 and worsening into the 2024 Winter term. The episode was caused by depressive disorders that I have since sought treatment for. It was incredibly difficult to do basic tasks such as eat or get out of bed, which made it very challenging and sometimes impossible to attend classes and hand in coursework. Throughout the academic year, I used all resources available to me, though I still found it impossible to succeed. I accepted the help of a Bounce Back mentor, frequently emailed and spoke with my professors regarding my circumstances, used my accommodations to their fullest extent, and sought medical attention. The depressive episode began at a time when I could have dropped the course; however, its length and severity was unforeseeable. Once my inability to complete the courses became clear, it was too late to drop them. Additionally, the depressive episode interfered with my ability to drop the courses. My attendance, grades, and general participation were all very good prior to my episode, and all suffered greatly and suddenly when I could no longer function. I was able to finish ARTH120 with an A+, as this was my favourite class and when it had become apparent that I would most likely fail my other classes, I decided to resign to put what little energy I had into this course, rather than fail all of them. I was also granted special consideration by my professor, which also aided in my being able to do well in that course.

Going forward, a depressive episode like this will not occur again. I am still struggling with depression, but am now receiving ongoing psychiatric care and engaging in an ongoing medication routine. Prior to the 2023-2024 academic year, my depression was undiagnosed. I am also taking a much smaller course load of three or four courses a term rather than five, which I find much more manageable. I am still figuring out the best way that I can participate in University and it is an ongoing journey, though the significant setback I had in first year was a unique event that will not be repeated. The adjustments that I have made so far, such as medication and a lighter course load, have already been massively impactful to my ability to excel in this academic environment. I believe that I am an asset to the academic community at Queen’s University, and I firmly believe that if asked, my professors would agree.

Thank you for your consideration,
Page Stone