Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: January 10, 2019

To: Associate Dean (Studies)

From: Taylor Wilson
Student Number: 20023237

My Request:
I kindly request that my grades for ANAT 100 (2018 Winter) PHAR 100 (2018 Winter) & LLCU 320 (2018 Winter) as well as EMPR 220 (2018 Fall) are expunged from my transcript.

Extenuating Circumstances:
I suffer from clinical depression and anxiety that was diagnosed in 2012.

When I first started Queens University in September 2016 I was hopeful and registered for a full load of courses in first term. Unfortunately, as time went on my mood became despondent and my anxiety rose to a debilitating level which affected my performance. As a result, I requested and had two grades expunged from my transcript.

I started off the 2017/2018 academic year strong. Per my future plan I did not register for a full course load. I practiced Yoga and mindfulness. Despite my best efforts, my symptoms worsened. I believe that my depression and anxiety increased during this time due to an upheaval in my living arrangements and environmental factors. I found myself unable to function which affected and disrupted my day to day activities and my grades / performance in the 2018 winter courses (mentioned above) suffered. I therefore request that the grades for ANAT100, PHAR100 and LLCU320 be expunged from my transcript. I do not need the extra stress of being on academic probation. I recognize that I should have dropped these courses during the winter session of 2018 however I honestly believe that I didn¿¿t drop them because in so doing I would feel like a failure both academically and emotionally (not being able to ¿¿get out of¿ my depression or ¿¿shake off¿ my anxiety). In retrospect I understand that this was not a wise decision on my part.

This fall was incredibly difficult for me. I suffered the loss of three loved ones over a six week period. I was unable to get out of bed and attended few classes and tutorials. I sought assistance through Spring Forsberg, I met with a counsellor at Queens and I spoke to my professors about my situation. My counsellor at Queens recognized my inability to cope and recommended a private counsellor to see outside of the university. Being open and honest about my mental health, I was kindly granted accommodation by my CLST205 Professor and I will finish this course successfully. I was unable to satisfy the requirements of EMPR220 and I missed the deadline for officially dropping this course which was November 2, 2018.

Upon return to my home in Toronto in late December I saw my treating physician Dr. Gordon. Medication adjustments were made and an additional medication was prescribed. I had a follow up appointment with her on January 3, 2019 and because I did not experience any significant benefit from the addition of the medication prescribed to me in December, a different medication was prescribed as an add-on to my current antidepressant. This medication is an antipsychotic that is used at a low dose to treat major depression. I started this add-on medication January 4, 2019.

I want nothing more than to continue my studies at Queens. In order to help myself I will follow up with counsellor Hannah Peck at Queens on a monthly basis (because of demand for counsellors on campus I am unable to see her more than once a month) and I will also see Paula Bell, a private therapist, at least once per month as well. I now see Paula Bell weekly for therapy. My next appointment with my regular treating physician Dr. G. Gordon is Friday February 16, 2019.

In light of my ongoing mental health challenge, I am being realistic and in order to achieve academic success I have decided to only take SOCY122 and GNDS125 this term.

I sincerely thank you for your consideration. I do look forward to starting ongoing therapy with both Hannah and Paula and to being able to successfully complete SOCY122 and GNDS125.

Sincerely,

Taylor Wilson