Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Johanne Benard,
Associate Dean (Studies)

I am appealing the faculty¿¿s decision that I must withdraw from Queen¿¿s for a minimum of one year.
In September of 2014, after an incredibly challenging couple of years, I was diagnosed with a psychological disorder, bipolar. The disorder has a severe impact on my emotions and cognitive functionality, making it extremely difficult to focus, concentrate, recall information and make everyday decisions. After the diagnosis, I spent a few months trying to find a balance between catching up with my academics and what was required for my health and functionality, that is doctor¿¿s appointments, therapy and medication changes. Within those few months, there was little progress to my mental state and several changes to my medications and with that, various side effects that further impaired my functionality and ability to meet my academic requirements. In December of 2014, feeling absolutely overwhelmed and still unable to focus or concentrate, I believed that the diagnosis was wrong and that the medication was not helping. I stopped all medications and returned to Tanzania in the hopes that support from my family and being in a less stressful environment would help and speed up my recovery.
In August of 2015 I returned to my studies believing I was capable and ready to succeed. I met with an academic advisor and outlined my plan for the next academic year. In October of 2015, a concerned doctor at hotel Dieu made an appointment for me to meet with a crisis team at KGH for mental health evaluation. My disorder had been triggered. I met with a psychiatrist in November from the Frontenac Mental Health Services who confirmed the diagnosis and began treatment. In January 2016, I transferred to a psychiatrist at Queens Student Wellness and had more changes to my medications. The severe irregularities of my mood and its effect on my cognitive abilities made it difficult to stay focused whilst reading or concentrate in lectures when I was able to attend. As a result of this I fell behind and was unable to keep up. By March 2016 it was clear to me that I was not making much progress on my own and that I could benefit from social support whilst learning to manage my disorder. I left my studies in hiatus, consulted my doctor for a referral and moved to Ottawa where I have some family to support me. With the help from my family and doctors I have been able to regulate my condition and I am functioning well enough to return to my studies.

I believe that the University will grant me permission to come back and finish my studies and graduate as stated above. Thank you very much for your consideration and I promise to cooperate with the university in this process.

Doris Laseko