Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Hassan Binesh
1064 Mantopic Road, Newmarket
Ontraio, L3X 1M9
March 29, 2016
Dismissal Appeals Committee
Queens University
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Subject: Request for Appeal of Dismissal my fall semester courses (2015-2016)
Dear Committee,

I am appealing to drop STAT 263, CHEM 213, GEOL 104 and BIOL 201 which I took in summer and fall semester of 2015-2016. I do believe the main factor that contributed to my current academic status was the psychological challenge I was going through which initially started from winter semester of 2014-2015.

Progressively I started experiencing severe anxiety attacks which gradually resulted into depression. I would get heart palpitation, start sweating, my mind would blank and would lose my concentration during my exams which gradually resulted into decline in my marks. I had the fear of not finishing my courses for my bachelor in time so I decided to take extra courses in summer in order to pull up my existing marks and help my GPA with new courses. Considering the fact that I was working full time during summer time to help with my education costs and challenging my summer courses and my progressive anxiety and depression, I failed a course and in result I felt like more of a failure.

I visited my family physician that summer and explaining my condition; she was very concerned and prescribed some anti-anxiety medications, with minimum improvement after usage of this medication. After failing the summer course, my anxiety and depression got worse and feeling embarrassed of my condition, I tried hiding it from my parents and friends. Studying and concentration was getting extremely difficult and I spend most days in bed without getting out of the house and/or participating in any social activities.

As the fall semester of 2015 progressed, I felt increasingly overwhelmed balancing my internal emotional problems with the weight of my responsibilities towards my courses and instead of reaching out to the faculty or members of my family I wrongfully gave up and did not attend the rest of the classes for my courses (CHEM 213/GEOL 104/BIOL 201) and consequently did not complete or even attend the exams; failing all three courses. I stayed in my room for over two month without getting out of the house and had difficulty with sleeping. I do believe if I was not struggling with such a psychological condition, I could have completed all three courses successfully and would have been able to complete my exams.

At this point I found it futile to continue my studies without dealing with my condition as I would consider it self-destructive and instead I reached out to my parents and immediately moved back home and saw my family physician. She introduced me to a psychologist that treats students with anxiety and depression. On March 8, 2016, I completed a full psychological assessment (the report attached) to determine the severity of the condition and determining the proper therapy. After discussing with my therapist and family, transferring closer university to home has been introduced as an option as well. I have been seeing my therapist in order to help with my condition. The therapy session has been extremely helpful as it has shown me ways to control my thoughts and take charge of my emotions. The psychologist has helped me to figure out my goals in school, life, and methods to deal with stressful situations. I have also taken initiative of participating in yoga and meditation classes which was recommended by my therapist. Furthermore I started exercising with a personal trainer and have made major changes in my diet.

I am planning to continue with my therapy session with my psychologist throughout the next school year. I have also made action to change my living arrangements and will be continuing with yoga, meditation and exercising. My parents have been a great help throughout this process and I am sure they will continue with their support.
At this point, with the changes and extra help I have arranged, I do believe that if my appeal for dropping these four courses gets granted and I be given a second chance I will have my options open to change my university to somewhere closer to home or if necessary redirect my focus of study within queens with different approach and attitude. At this point I am unable to transfer to any other university. If my appeal gets approved, my motivation to succeed will be at a level that can push me to my limits and beyond and it would bring great relief in to my current stressful situation. If all goes well, I will be able to transfer to a university closer to my home and my therapist.

Attached to this appeal are some documents from professionals in support of my request. Thank you very much for taking time and considering my appeal.
Sincerely Yours,
Hassan Binesh