Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dr Johanne Bénard,
Associate Dean (Studies)
June 13, 2017
I am writing to appeal the requirement that I withdraw from Queen¿¿s for three years, on the grounds of extenuating circumstances. I am asking that the requirement be changed to a one-year withdrawal or removed completely. The reason I am appealing this requirement is a change in my mental health. I was diagnosed just prior to the 2016-17 Academic Year with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and this diagnosis required me to find new ways to adapt to my mental health issues and find new coping mechanisms. This diagnosis has also, for the first time, given me a direct understanding of my mental health and what can be done to improve it, as previous diagnoses were treated in different ways than BPD. Due to the changes in diagnosis, I was not able to cope properly with my mental health issues and tried to find ways that would allow me to adequately perform academically. I attended a group session through the Addiction and Mental Health Services, KFLA (AMHS-KFLA) during the first half of the academic year that worked on mindfulness and was based in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy. This was the first step taken to try and improve my ability to deal with this mental health issue. I also sought counselling at Student Wellness Services later in the academic year. Despite these steps taken to mitigate my mental health issues, they still had an impact on my ability to attend classes, perform readings and finish the required papers for my courses.
When making the decision to appeal, I determined that the best course of action for myself ¿¿ if my appeal is granted ¿¿ is to finish my degree as a B.A. (General) in English Language and Literature as opposed to a B.A (Honours) and to finish the degree online. It is my opinion that the greatest hindrance to my education is remaining in Kingston. I feel that remaining on campus provides too many issues that worsen my BPD. As these are issues that go beyond academic reasons and extend into my personal life, they are not relevant to this appeal. By finishing my degree online and reducing it to a B.A. (General), I feel as though I will be able to succeed academically. I would have 57.0 credits remaining for the degree and firmly believe that I will be able to complete the degree quickly if my appeal is granted. By moving away from Kingston, I will be able to surround myself with a support system that goes beyond just counselling, while also removing the issues that would arise by remaining on campus. I understand that the position I find myself in is due to my own mistakes, but I ask that my appeal be considered as I feel that I can complete this degree before the three-year period would end if the period is waived or reduced to one year.
I thank you for your time,
Sean Sutherland