Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Appeal to the Associate Dean (Studies),



I am appealing to extend the IN status of POLS 396 (Winter 2019) & POLS 402 (Winter 2019). Further, I am appealing to extend the add-drop period to add courses in Fall 2019.

I have been impacted due to events beyond my control and multiple unforeseen personal events. The timeline of circumstances begins in March 2019 following a severe concussion. I missed multiple classes in the final weeks of term. The nature of my concussion made it challenging to engage in overly stimulating environments and activities; such as reading, using a computer monitor, or strenuous mental activity. My symptoms and recovery were complicated by my preexisting diagnosed mental illness. I wrote my final exams for all courses; however, I requested and was given IN status for POLS 396 (Winter 2019) & POLS 402 (Winter 2019). These two courses had outstanding final papers weighted 40.

Multiple unforeseen personal events occurred. After traveling home to Vancouver, I was hospitalized over the Easter weekend due to increased post-concussion symptoms. I did inform my professors of the change in my health, and to expect a delay in my submission. Life events did not allow for rest as I had to train for physical standards tied to summer employment. From June through August, I was involved in a protracted employment dispute. This involved being subjected to a toxic working environment, bullying, and harassment. I was required to attend multiple investigation meetings, both HR and Union. My mental health was severely impacted by these prolonged circumstances. My entire focus was upon just surviving each day and putting on a brave face; all while still performing at a professional level as a team manager in my role for the City of Vancouver.

At the start of July my neighbor of 5 years and a fixture in my personal life was diagnosed with advanced-stage cancer. He passed away on September 8th. This was an unforeseen personal event that impacted my mental health and the ability to manage the nature of my diagnosed disability. I was delayed in adding Fall courses, in securing housing for the term, and in attaining prescription renewals. It should be clear that from March through September 2019, I faced events beyond my control. These circumstances occurred over a short period; individually each event was unfortunate and in aggregate personally devastating. I also strongly feel that without the structure and supports available to me on campus, I was already at a disadvantage to complete my outstanding term papers.

I did not drop POLS 396 (Winter 2019) & POLS 402 (Winter 2019), as I had been a strong participant in class and was able to write my final exams. I have only been diagnosed since Fall 2017. I am a mature student and returned to Queens in 2019; intending to complete outstanding credits required to attain my BAH POLS. I was on track to meet my degree requirements by Fall 2019. For both financial and career obligations, it is important to keep that timeframe. I would like to submit the outstanding term papers for both POLS 396 (Winter 2019) & POLS 402 (Winter 2019).

Furthermore, I would like to add a POLS 200 level course (POLS 211) to Fall 2019. Due to the previously outlined circumstances I missed important deadlines; and am only enrolled in 6.0 credits this term. As a mature out-of-province student there are extra sacrifices made to be here on-campus. It is not the best use of my time or financial resources to only complete 6.0 credits this term. Please allow me to add beyond the add-drop deadline for Fall 2019. I recognize the I need to complete an additional 3.0 of elective credit to satisfy requirements. However, meeting my BAH POLS requirements takes precedence as these courses are only accessible on-campus, not online. Given circumstances, I think it would be wise to complete the elective credit via distance studies in the future.

Over the period from March to September, I utilized my support networks and mitigated the impact of the multiple unforeseen personal events. I attended counseling and adjusted my medications as needed. My circumstances from the summer have been resolved. My mental health and disability are being managed. I am registered with Student Wellness Services for my disability. To ensure future success I will build upon my strong performance in the pre-concussion 2019 semester. I will be an avid participant in class, I will continue to reach out to professors, attend office hours, and Student Writing Services. My focus is solely upon academics. I have reached out to Accessibility Services for accommodations this term. I am a stronger person because of adversity, and I know that I can succeed academically. Thank you for your consideration.



Regards,

Patrick Sawtell

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