Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dr. Johanne Benard
Associate Dean (Studies)
Faculty of Arts & Science
Student Services
First Floor Dunning Hall
Kingston, ON

March 18, 2017

Dear Ms. Benard,

Thank you for accepting my request to appeal several courses I am currently enrolled in (details below) within the Faculty of Arts at Queens. I appreciate your consideration in this matter very much and look forward to your reply.

Requests

Course: PSYC100-003 (Fall 2016/Winter 2017)
GNDS125-015 (Winter 2017)
Appeal Request: Drop Course Past Last Official Date
Details: I will not be able to complete 60 of these courses, as such I am requesting that they both be dropped from my record.

Course: HLTH102-001 (Winter 2017)
Appeal Request: Aegrotat Standing (AG)
Details: At this time I have completed 60 of the requirements of this course and as such I am requesting aegrotat standing.

Course: SOCY122-003 (Fall 2016/Winter 2017)
Appeal Request: Aegrotat Standing (AG)
Details: I have already completed 80 of the requirements of this course as such I am requesting aegrotat standing.

Courses: GPHY101-002 (Winter 2017)
Appeal Request: None required
Details: I am requesting the co-operation of my professor and anticipate that I will be able to complete these courses from home (there is no exam for either).

Explanation of Extenuating Circumstances

In September 2015 I was diagnosed with an anxiety disorder after being admitted to Sunnybrook hospital. Since that time I have been an outpatient of Sunnybrook and under the care of Dr. Westreich (psychiatrist). Since admission to Queens I have experienced anxiety but only within the last few months has it negatively impacted my academic experience and performance. Unfortunately, on March 13, 2017 I was admitted to Sunnybrook Hospital¿¿s adolescent psychiatric ward once again, due to an escalated situation related to my mental health. I anticipate being discharged in the coming week, assuming all goes well and I am reacting well to my modified medications. The effect of my situation was that I was unable to complete assignments on time, and not in Kingston to attend lectures, labs or tutorials. As I recover I also believe I will require a lower course load in order to be successful and remain healthy. Given the situation, going forward I will be staying in Toronto, and living with my parents. I will continue regular outpatient appointments with Dr. Westreich. Per my requests above, I would like to make every effort to complete as much of my academic year as possible. Despite my struggles I have been very committed to my studies at Queens and anticipate completing a university degree, although perhaps under modified circumstances, location and schedule.

Future Plan

I have not yet 100 committed to a future plan but my aspiration is to set myself up with several options to consider once I am in a more stable situation. I intend on applying to Ryerson and York University in Toronto, to either a Bachelor Arts (general) or Bachelor Social Work, with a less than full course load at first. This will be my plan in the likely event that I need to continue to stay close to home and take advantage of the local support of my family and health care providers. On the other hand, at this time, I am reluctant to make the final decision that I will not return to Queens to complete my Bachelor of Arts as it has been such an extraordinary experience for me. I will make this decision prior to the Summer deadline. I do know however that continuing (and ultimately completing) my university degree is a definite goal, and to do so I will continue regular touchpoints with my team of health care providers at Sunnybrook, will participate in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy counselling and will ensure I maintain a healthy lifestyle and balance.

Thank you very much for considering my appeal requests. I have attached supporting documentation from my Doctor (Dr. Westreich) and am willing to provide anything additional you may require.

Yours truly,

Sara Marks