Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: I have recently been diagnosed with what is classified as a ¿¿Major Depressive Mood Disturbance¿, and have been strongly advised by multiple health care professionals to take a year off school. Leading up to this diagnosis, I had been working with both an Academic Advisor (Michelle Gallant) and an Occupational Therapist from the Student Wellness Centre (Tess Grant), as I was struggling to complete assignments and even attend classes.

An off-campus therapist in Kingston, Natalie Marchenko, made the initial diagnosis. This was later confirmed by Dr. Michael Vallis (Psychologist, CDHA Behaviour Change Institute, Associate Professor, Dalhousie University) and Dr. David Gardner (Professor of Psychiatry & Pharmacy, Dalhousie University).

I have subsequently received treatment from Dr. David Maclin (Medcan clinic, Toronto), and have had a consultation with a Dr. Jodi Lofchy (Medcan clinic, in-house psychiatrist). I am also receiving on-going counseling from psychologist, Dr. Howard Bernstein (Director of the Chisholm Centre and Academy in Oakville, Ontario), and have the support of my family physician, Dr. Raj Ruperelia.

If required, I can provide a letter from one or more of these healthcare professionals. Please note that I have already vacated my residence room and am living with my parents in Oakville, Ontatio.

This has been a very difficult and humbling year, and I am hopeful that I will be able to return to Queens in September. I am committed to regular therapy and am now receiving medication for my disorder. Given these unexpected extenuating circumstances, I¿¿m hoping that there will not be any academic consequences and my transcript will remain clean.

Thank you for your consideration.

Charles Hilberdink