Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dr. Johanne Bénard,
I am appealing for an extension of an incomplete grade in SOCY 363, SOCY 384, and SOCY 422. These courses ran in Winter 2017, taught by Dr. Annette Burfoot (SOCY 384) and Dr. Norma M¿llers (SOCY 363 and SOCY 422).
I was diagnosed with major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder in 2010. Since then, I have worked to continue with my education, but it is not always easy. I am given accommodations through QSAS, which serves to manage my more minor symptoms. Generally, I have been able to work productively while managing my illness; as a result, I have a cumulative GPA of 3.60, of which I am very proud.
Winter Term 2017 began very well for me. My anxiety and depression were well-managed. Over reading week, symptoms that my doctor had previously attributed to Irritable Bowel Syndrome became severe. I have since been diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis, a type of Inflammatory Bowel Disease. I spent a lot of time in pain and with significantly reduced energy levels. While managing these symptoms and the uncertainty pre-diagnosis, my depression and anxiety returned severely. I had difficulty focusing, which made reading for lecture or research impossible. I slept excessively, limiting the amount of time I had to study. I lacked energy, making it difficult to begin new projects. I decided the best course of action was to complete the exam-based portions of my courses and request extensions on the rest of the content. I was granted an extension in SOCY 363, SOCY 384, and SOCY 422 until mid-August.
I have been receiving medical treatment to begin management of my Ulcerative Colitis. I have also changed my psychiatric medication to improve my mental health. I have also begun therapy. All of these treatments are not immediately effective, and take time to optimize. I am beginning to see results, and I would like the chance to complete these courses when I am more capable of doing so.
I am taking the Fall 2017 term off. If I receive an extension on these courses, they will receive my full attention.
Thank you,
Amy Farrow
Student Number 07396483


My Academic Plan:

-Focus-
I hope to graduate with an honors degree, major in sociology, from Queen's. From there, I want to apply to the master of information program at University of Toronto, so that I may be a librarian.

-Course Load-
In the past I have limited myself to an 80 course load. Going forward, I will reconsider my current health at the beginning of each term, especially the winter term, before deciding if I will take a 60 or an 80 course load. I will take terms off as necessary.

-Strategies for success-
To help prevent recurrences of acute depression:
I am trying a new medication for my depression and anxiety.
I am now undergoing therapy, which I have not in the past due to cost.
I will continue to see my psychiatrist.
I will continue to live with my family, who provide support.
To deal with recurrences of acute depression:
I will evaluate my health at the beginning of each term, and just before the drop deadline, in order to make choices that are right for me at that time.
I will take terms off if that is what I need.
I will continue to reach out to my professors early in the term about my disability and accommodations.
To deal with my ulcerative colitis:
I am now being medicated for my ulcerative colitis.
I will be seeing a doctor specializing in ulcerative colitis.