Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dr. Catherine Krull
Associate Dean Arts and Science (Economics)
Queen's University

Dear Dr. Krull,

Re: Emily Halprin Student number: 10043553

I am appealing to drop Econ 212, Econ 222 and Econ 255 past the academic deadline for the Winter 2014 semester.

In January 2014 when I returned to classes for winter semester I began to feel down and increasingly overwhelmed by school and life in general. Things worsened progressively and by March 20 I had to go home to Toronto because I was no longer able to study and take care of my daily life. During that period I found it increasingly difficult to get up and go to class. My motivation deteriorated. I could no longer concentrate on reading, process information or organize my thoughts and work. In the 2-3 weeks before actually going home I was no longer able to leave my house. I could barely get out of bed and was unable to properly take care of myself. I was not able to do any academic work.

On March 25 2014 I was diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder and began treatment. I was not able to return to class or to take my exams. It was clear that I would not be able to continue my academic career until I had regained control of my emotional well-being. For my Rels 210 and Rels 229 my professors agreed that I could submit work by the end of May in order to complete the courses. These courses are ones in which I was able to do the readings and assimilate the material on my own. Improvement in my symptoms was such that I was able to meet these requirements. Economics courses are more difficult for me, requiring a higher level of concentration and attention. I was not able to learn the material without attending class and having access to the professors' office hours. By the time I was ready to resume studying in May I had missed too much and had no way to catch up.

I have made good progress toward recovery and expect to be ready to return to class in September. My plan for the Fall 2014 semester is to switch my program to a Bachelor of Arts Honours with a major in Religious Studies while maintaining a relationship with a therapist and continuing treatment with a psychiatrist in Kingston.


Sincerely;



Emily Halprin