Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Associate Dean (Studies),

I am appealing to drop the courses: DEVS 340, DEVS 293, and LAW 202 (Fall, 2018) due to extenuating and severe psychological circumstances beyond my control since October 29th, 2018. It is apparent from my Request for Academic Consideration on file that I have been unable to fulfill any academic obligations and will be unable to attend/participate in class or complete any academic work between October 29th ¿¿ December 31st, 2018.

My transcript demonstrates I am a good student ¿¿ achieving Dean¿¿s List for both my First and Second Years at Queens University. I have been unable to attend class or submit any assignments since the date I have specified, October 29th. At first, I emailed my professors to discuss the possibility of an incomplete, but I know now that will not be possible. I have not been living in Kingston since I filed for Academic Consideration, as I have been seeking medical help and living with family in Port Credit, Ontario. This means I will not be able to attend and write the final examinations for each class. The time off has been used to attend critical psychological and psychiatric appointments, as well as focusing on and dealing with the various effects of new medication. It has been suggested to me by professionals to not think or worry about school during these past 2 months. If my courses are not dropped, it will have severe consequences for my academic standing.

Though my mental health has been improving since October, I am still not in a state where I am able to succeed in school. My medical documentation on file from both my psychologist, Dr. Andrea Porter, and my physician, Dr. Drury, outlines that the anticipated duration of my impairment is 8-12 weeks. These documents also indicate that the impairment is severe in regards to academic functioning, and I require time off from academic commitments (i.e. unable to attend any classes or complete any course work). With that being said, I have decided to drop my winter term classes and put my education at Queens University on hold until I am able to perform to a standard of academic success. Next school year, I hope to take a lighter course load of about 3 courses each semester, while also using the summer to take courses as well. This will mean less stress and focus on school work rather than taking the standard 5 courses, allowing me to focus on self-care and mental well-being. I am still undecided if I would like to take these courses online and work from home, or attend Queens campus. This depends on my psychological health during that time. In discussing with my psychologist, we both agree that if I do go back to attend Queens University next school year, taking a lighter course load and finding supports in Kingston is essential to meet my academic goals. Of course, I plan to consult with an academic advisor to discuss my options if I choose to go back next year as well. Thank you for your time.

Kind regards,
Hailey Budway

P.S. all my supporting medical documentation is already on file.