Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Dr. Bob Limieux,

My name is Isabel Geiger (student #20401229). I am submitting a formal petition letter to request that my PSYC 271 course be dropped late due to the unforeseen mental health crisis I endured in my second year at Queen's which had a profound impact on my academic performance. I appreciate your consideration of my request.

During late fall 2023, I was diagnosed with Depression, Anxiety and ADD which required immediate ongoing medical attention. I was prescribed various medications to help me cope and complete my academic year while at the same time competing as a varsity athlete on the Rowing team. Despite my best efforts to manage and adjust to my new diagnosis and medications in time for my second year of university, I suffered from debilitating symptoms of low mood and energy, lack of motivation, lack of concentration, and mood swings, all of which impacted my schoolwork since I was overwhelmed and in a constant state of stress. Due to my mental health, I had limited capacity for course work and was provided accommodation to defer my PSYC 271 final exam until the end of the 2025 summer term.

Unfortunately, it took over a year to find the right dose of medication and I continued to experience the same symptoms during the summer, making it difficult to study for my deferred exam. It was very difficult to have my medications sorted while at school as I was an out of province student and my family physician (Dr. Nicoletta Bergh) was in Vancouver, BC. As a result, I was unable to have my prescriptions modified until my return to Vancouver during winter and spring break. I was advised by Dr. Bergh that it could take up to one year for the anti-depressant medication to take full effect. Along with adjusting to new medication I only received necessary permanent academic accommodations put in place by QSAS for the 2024 Winter semester.

After my initial mental health diagnosis, I disclosed my condition to my coach and varsity academic advisors who directed me to resources available immediately for student athletes such as mental health counselling, academic advising and tutoring. I met with the athletic mental health counsellor (Becky Haist) on a regular basis from November 2023 and continue to see her during this 2025/26 academic year.
During the summer break, I took steps to ensure that I have a more positive and healthier academic experience this fall. My medications for Depression and ADD were sorted and I met with my family doctor regularly to discuss my concerns and progress. I also met with a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist (CBT) weekly to help develop a detailed plan to help manage my anxiety effectively during the school year.

I am committed to my academic success at Queens and have been participating in weekly CBT and counselling sessions with Becky Haist, participated in the student Grief counselling group at Queen’s; seek a regular doctor via Qmed; and registered for permanent Accommodations with QSAS.

Thank you for your understanding and consideration of my petition. I hope you will find my request reasonable and grant me the dropped course for the course requested.


Sincerely,
Isabel Geiger