Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Associate Dean of Studies,


I am writing you in hopes of receiving approval to take 3rd and 4th year courses on a letter of permission through another university.

Due to extenuating circumstances, beyond my control, I believe it to be most beneficial for me to complete my BAH degree in Toronto during the Fall 2018/Winter 2019 year. I have been suffering with mental health issues for many years now -- this September, however, my depression became quite severe and I was required to return home for many weeks/weekends at a time to receive treatment. Currently, I continue to go home every Thursday-Monday for treatment. This has consequently affected my participation in classes and my ability to make meaningful connections with most course material, professors, and peers. As well, the constant transportation back and forth from my home in Toronto to Kingston is neither practical nor financially feasible for my family. If it were at all possible for me to return home for the remainder of this school year -- without putting myself even more behind academically and losing money on rent -- I would do so. Unfortunately, however, that is not my reality. That is why I am hoping that next year will be a different, more positive situation. If I were granted permission to take 3rd and 4th year courses on a letter of permission through another university -- it would allow me to be closer to my family, my psychiatrist and therapists, and would provide me with the necessary tools to succeed academically.

Should my appeal be granted, I plan on taking courses online offered through Queen's to complete my Psychology minor and will be taking the necessary courses in Toronto to complete my Sociology major. I will be receiving treatment weekly to help with my mental health issues and coping techniques, and I will be close to my family and friends who provide the comfort and support necessary for me to succeed in all areas of my life. In spite of the issues I face -- I truly am a driven and passionate individual who wants to excel in academics. In the future, I am hoping to attend Graduate school to receive a Master's in Counselling Psychology. Education means a great deal to me -- and that is why I want to ensure that I am in an environment where I can grow and learn, all the while focusing on my personal wellness.

In the meantime, I will continue to return home to receive treatment and participate in classes to the best of my ability. I have already registered with Student Wellness Services -- and I am confident that with their help I will be able to finish the remainder of the year successfully.

Thank you for your consideration thus far and I hope to speak with you soon.

Sincerely,

Rachel Atkins