Manage Appeals
Petition Type: New
ID: 50
Submitted: May 13, 2014 at 10:17:35 PM
First Name: Madeline
Last Name: Pendrith
Student Number: 10093333
Email: 12mcp2@queensu.ca
Degree Program: BAH
Plan: DRAM
Level of Study: 1
Petition Categories
Petition Categories: Drop a course after the academic deadline, Request credit (CR) standing in a course or courses, Waive the requirement to withdraw for one year
Code: ARTH
Term: Fall/Winter
Year: 2014
Petition Category: Drop a course after the academic deadline
Code: SOCY 122
Term: Fall/Winter
Year: 2014
Petition Category: Request credit (CR) standing in a course or courses
Instructor's Name: Rob Beamish
Code: FILM 110
Term: Fall/Winter
Year: 2014
Petition Category: Request credit (CR) standing in a course or courses
Instructor's Name: Clarke Mackey
Petition Letter
Petition Letter: Dear Associate Dean (Studies),
I am appealing the Faculty¿¿s decision that I must withdraw from Queen¿¿s for a minimum of one year. I would like to appeal for credit standing in FILM 110 FW 2013-14 and in SOCY 122 FW 2013-14. I have contacted both my film professor, Clarke Mackey, and my Sociology Professor, Rob Beamish and they have agreed to support me in my requests. I would also like to appeal to drop my Art History course (ARTH 120 FW 2013-14) late.
In October of this year, I developed recurring chest and abdominal pain on my right side. The pain occurred periodically and at times would be very intense. I did not see the doctor, as I did not think that the pain was frequent enough to warrant a visit. In the months leading up to Christmas, the pain had progressively worsened. Once I had returned to Queens for the winter term, the pains started to happen on a daily basis. This caused me to become very anxious and it became difficult for me to focus on my schoolwork. In Mid-January, I went to the La Salle Clinic to see a doctor about my pain and the Physician was unsure of the cause but sent me for many tests. This increased my anxious thoughts, as the pain was not subsiding. Although the pain was often manageable, it was constant and would become severe at times ¿¿ usually when I was trying to sleep at night. This led to restless nights of little or no sleep and I began to miss morning classes as a result. It also made it quite difficult for me to concentrate in classes and complete work during the daytime. At the beginning of March I started having other symptoms such as shortness of breath, and a racing and irregular heartbeat. This greatly affected my academic performance, as I could not establish a proper sleeping schedule and missed many of my morning classes. I was very behind on the content that I was learning and this added to my stress, which worsened my symptoms. I was reluctant to confide in my parents regarding my anxiety and poor grades, as they expect a lot from me and I was worried how they would react. I realize now this was a mistake. I did speak with a friend about my abdominal pain but I otherwise felt very much alone throughout the winter term.
I am appealing the Faculty¿¿s decision that I must withdraw from Queen¿¿s for a minimum of one year. I would like to appeal for credit standing in FILM 110 FW 2013-14 and in SOCY 122 FW 2013-14. I have contacted both my film professor, Clarke Mackey, and my Sociology Professor, Rob Beamish and they have agreed to support me in my requests. I would also like to appeal to drop my Art History course (ARTH 120 FW 2013-14) late.
In October of this year, I developed recurring chest and abdominal pain on my right side. The pain occurred periodically and at times would be very intense. I did not see the doctor, as I did not think that the pain was frequent enough to warrant a visit. In the months leading up to Christmas, the pain had progressively worsened. Once I had returned to Queens for the winter term, the pains started to happen on a daily basis. This caused me to become very anxious and it became difficult for me to focus on my schoolwork. In Mid-January, I went to the La Salle Clinic to see a doctor about my pain and the Physician was unsure of the cause but sent me for many tests. This increased my anxious thoughts, as the pain was not subsiding. Although the pain was often manageable, it was constant and would become severe at times ¿¿ usually when I was trying to sleep at night. This led to restless nights of little or no sleep and I began to miss morning classes as a result. It also made it quite difficult for me to concentrate in classes and complete work during the daytime. At the beginning of March I started having other symptoms such as shortness of breath, and a racing and irregular heartbeat. This greatly affected my academic performance, as I could not establish a proper sleeping schedule and missed many of my morning classes. I was very behind on the content that I was learning and this added to my stress, which worsened my symptoms. I was reluctant to confide in my parents regarding my anxiety and poor grades, as they expect a lot from me and I was worried how they would react. I realize now this was a mistake. I did speak with a friend about my abdominal pain but I otherwise felt very much alone throughout the winter term.
Academic Plan
Academic Plan: Once I returned from school, I had an honest conversation with my parents regarding my health situation and its impact on my academics. I let them know that I wanted desperately to return and would do everything I could to go back next year. After having spoken to my doctor at home, I know that extreme stress can result in digestive problems and that it was most likely the reason for my abdominal pain. For the most part my symptoms have disappeared now that I know that there is nothing wrong with me. Clearly my undiagnosed pain was fueling my stress, which left me caught in an endless cycle, which was all but impossible to escape from. In an attempt to salvage my grades, I emailed my professors and two of them have allowed me to hand in some assignments late. I have achieved an A- and two B¿¿s on the assignments handed in. Now that I have full the support of my parents and am comfortable with my physical and mental health, I believe that I will revert to my regular study habits next year. In the unlikely event that these symptoms reoccur and work becomes overwhelming, I now feel comfortable seeking help through counseling, a tutor, or my parents to offer reassurance. I plan to re-take ARTH 120 next year, as I was not able to perform to the best of my abilities this year. I will also limit my course load to 4 courses to ensure that I achieve a sufficient GPA, as I will be on Academic Probation. I have also secured a house with 4 strong students who have become my friends next year. I believe they will provide a great working environment for me as well as a sense of comfort and familiarity.
Dr. Lacoursiere, a physician at the Le Salle clinic is forwarding a submission to the faculty of Arts and Science on my behalf within the next week. Should you require additional documentation from my off-campus physician, please let me know. I worked very hard to get in to Queens and am confident that I am ready to continue my education at the same level and standards that I expect of myself.
Dr. Lacoursiere, a physician at the Le Salle clinic is forwarding a submission to the faculty of Arts and Science on my behalf within the next week. Should you require additional documentation from my off-campus physician, please let me know. I worked very hard to get in to Queens and am confident that I am ready to continue my education at the same level and standards that I expect of myself.
Documentation
Professional Letter Detail: A letter from my physician at the La Salle Clinic
Document: 1222_001-1-1.pdf
Documentation Detail: My medical records from the La Salle Clinic and Kingston General Hospital