Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dr. Johanne Bénard,

I am appealing for an extension of an incomplete grade in SOCY 363 and aegrotat status in SOCY 384. These courses ran in Winter 2017, taught by Dr. Annette Burfoot (SOCY 384) and Dr. Norma M¿llers (SOCY 363).

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.

Winter Term 2017 began very well for me. My anxiety and depression were well-managed. Over reading week, I developed symptoms of what was later diagnosed as Ulcerative Colitis. 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. If I had been thinking clearly at the time, I would have noticed that I had completed 70 of the coursework for SOCY 384, and instead I would have applied for aegrotat standing in that course. I was granted an extension in SOCY 363, SOCY 384, and SOCY 422 until mid-August.

I have been receiving medical treatment for my Ulcerative Colitis, and the condition is now managed and stable. This treatment was not immediately effective, and took time to optimize.

Between March 2017 and December 2017, I tried a number of new prescriptions and doses for my depression. The first few attempts saw either no positive effect or a negative effect of complete sedation and mental slowness. I was unable to concentrate on the kind of theoretical thinking needed for sociology; sometimes the medication side effects were such that I could not even focus on simple tasks. During this time period, I also began attending therapy sessions in an effort to get better. I appealed for and received another extension in SOCY 363, SOCY 384 and SOCY 422 during the Fall 2017 term.

Finally, in November my psychiatrist decided to change my medication one last time. Changing the medication took about a month; during that time and in the two weeks after, I experienced severe discontinuation effects including sedation and mental slowness. Around December 15th, I felt the positive effects of the medication.

At that time, I had a week remaining on my extension. I finished my coursework for SOCY 422, which has been graded. I received As for the work I did in December. I do not know if the grade has been posted yet. I was unable to finish the work for SOCY 363 and 384.

I am taking the winter 2018 term off from classes. I am working part-time as a tutor and volunteering with a local arts program, because routine is important in treatment of depression. I have more than adequate time to work on 363 and give the work my full effort. I think a reasonable date for the completion of SOCY 363 would be March 31st, 2018. I have one paper (worth 25 of the final grade), one book review (worth 20 of the final grade), and a handful of weekly reading reflections (worth approximately 10 of the final grade) that must be completed for this course.

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. I plan to complete the courses I need for this degree in April 2019. 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 have found an effective medication for my depression;
I am now undergoing therapy, which I have not in the past due to cost, and I am seeing some progress;
I will continue to see my psychiatrist;
I will continue to live with my family, who provide support;
I will maintain a healthy lifestyle of regular sleep and exercise.
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, and it is now stable and managed;
I will be seeing a doctor specializing in ulcerative colitis.