Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: The Request:
I am requesting the Faculty's decision to remove an F on my transcript for CLST 102, and allow me to pursue a 4-year honours degree in political science on a provisional basis.

Extenuating Circumstances:
Prior to starting University my condition was manageable, as I was living at home within a structured environment. Upon attending Queens, I was under the care of a physician for depression and insomnia. My symptoms included inability to concentrate, fatigue, lethargy, anxiety, and weight gain. Unfortunately, my condition deteriorated rapidly upon starting University at Queen's.
My conditions affected my academic performance in many ways. Due to the Insomnia, I would often not get any sleep until 5 am, and subsequently was extremely foggy and tired during the day. In a state of sleep deprivation, it is difficult to remember important dates. It affects my ability to concentrate, and produces anxiety. In such a state I was unaware of the drop date and subsequently didn't withdraw from CLST 102. I didn't understand the consequences and furthermore believed that it would simply indicate not attended, and not impact my transcript.
As the school year progressed my symptoms became more intense, to the point that I was in a constant state of anxiety. The anxiety coupled with insomnia and depression, completely ruled my schedule. Because of that I essentially missed every morning class. Every time I missed a class, it would amplify my anxiety, which led to a sense of helplessness. Despite my very best efforts, my condition was a major handicap when trying to excel at my studies.
I did attend the doctor again, seeking relief from my symptoms, and to address any underlying problems. The best they could do for me was to adjust the dose of my medication.
My physician will not prescribe a medication specifically targeted for sleep, simply because they create physical dependence.
I am booked to get medical treatment from a board certified psychiatrist who specializes in sleep disorders in the USA since the waiting period in Canada for such services is quite long. I have been seeing a psychologist for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and continue to take the medication prescribed by my primary care physician. I have tried hypnosis for sleep, guided meditation, and breathing exercises. Those modalities did not yield any success.
I have also arranged to have a complete learning assessment done the end of June to determine if I have any learning disabilities.


Future Plans:
I hope to return to Queen's this fall and major in Political Science. I am very hopeful that specialized medical intervention, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, along with my learning assessment will help me succeed in my studies. If my learning assessment indicates that I require accommodations, I will obviously seek those out. If the treatment for insomnia, anxiety and depression is successful, it will improve my life situation and allow me to function at a higher level, in order to achieve academic success. I am highly motivated, and truly want to be successful. No matter how motivated I was, my underlying conditions made every class, task and report a monumental challenge.
If by September, my condition has not been resolved, I will elect to take a lighter academic load.
If my mental health improves, I contend that my academic performance will improve accordingly. I will continue to work with a psychologist and medical doctors until my ability to function improves.