Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: To Associate Dean Studies,

This has been my first semester back to school after learning that I have Bipolar Disorder. I registered with Student Accessibility Services and was on track with my doctors to ensure that I would be successful academically. I had taken two years off beforehand to try and determine the right combinations of medications and treatments so that I would be stable. It is a long a difficult process of trial and error. As I started in September I was doing quite well, and stayed that way until mid-November. I consistently was meeting with group members for projects and completing my work.
In mid-November I was the victim of a physical assault. Due to this, I became unstable and my medications needed to be adjusted, but I was unable to sleep more than three hours a night, was having panic attacks trying to back out to the outside world. Thankfully, with the help of my psychologist, psychiatrist, and family doctor I have found an equilibrium again. I have also sought out further advice through a private clinic in Florida which specializes in Bipolar Disorder.
The reason I was unable to meet with Student Accessibility services during this time was because I was sick at home going in for multiple appointments and generally trying to cope with each day after the incident. I had three outstanding final assignments that I would need an extension on so that I could attain a credit for each of these courses. Again, I had completed most of the course work.
I would also like to note that I was not comfortable talking to my professors about the assault, and was processing each day as it came. I understand that this process needs to be fair to every student, and thus is why I have disclosed this, as it interfered with my ability to communicate in all aspects, especially with academic coordinators.
I am elated to be back at Queen's and I would like to prove my academic potential.
Thank you in advance for your time and consideration. It is greatly appreciated,
Kate Pereira