Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: September 7, 2016

Dear Dr. Johanne Benard,

I am appealing to have three course grades removed from my 2015-2016 transcript. Due to ongoing medical problems I was unable to participate in and complete the following courses: ENGL290 (Fall 2015), PSYC203 (Winter 2016), PSYC231 (Winter 2016).

Starting in September 2015, I began experiencing symptoms of depression which required emergency hospitalization at Kingston General Hospital in late October 2015. I had been receiving weekly counselling from Dr. A. Khanna (Queen¿¿s Counselling Services) and was prescribed anti-depressant medication by Dr. Lagelaan (Queen¿¿s Health Services). In late January 2016 I experienced my first severe manic episode which required hospitalization at CAMH (Toronto) from March 1 ¿¿ 10. I experienced a second severe manic episode and was hospitalized at Montreal General Hospital from April 24 ¿¿ May 10. It was unable to regularly attend classes or keep up with readings while suffering extreme bi-polar symptoms of depression and mania.

Since June 2016, I have been receiving monitored medication under the care of psychiatrist Dr. M. Goldstein at St. Michael¿¿s Hospital in Toronto, where I am living with my family. Dr. M. Goldstein has strongly advised against attempting any academic studies this year, so I will continue recovering from my illness with psychiatric and family support until I am ready to return to school. It is my goal to continue with my studies in Psychology; when the time is right I will arrange to meet with an academic advisor to discuss the best course of action.

Thank you for your consideration of my appeal. While I sincerely wish to be responsible for my actions, I hope not to be deterred by mental health problems that were out of my control. The removal of the three above-mentioned courses from my academic record would signify a fresh start for me in my recovery and my plans for completing my undergraduate degree.

Best regards,


Julius Haust