Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Associate Dean,

I am writing this appeal to late drop the following courses: SOCY 210, SOCY 226, SOCY 306 (FALL 2021), and aegrotat standing in FILM 240 (FALL 2021).
Over this past semester, I have dealt with a lot of emotional issues that have prevented me from performing to the best of my abilities this semester. I have struggled with ongoing mental health issues, and have been seeing several people at student wellness since the summer. However, in mid-October I was diagnosed with BPD and ADHD which has given me an understanding of why I have been struggling with school. I was prescribed new medication and given academic accommodations, but it was all incredibly overwhelming to understand and learn to manage while doing my studies and working. Around this time as well I experienced 2 different instances of sexual assault, which made some of the content in class triggering, as well as the fact that I was not dealing with this trauma.
Because of the reasons stated above, I have been incredibly distracted and unable to focus on work. I have also had issues with my motivation, appetite, energy, and mood- especially because of the new medication I have been given. I was not able to get out of bed or make food, much less go to class and submit assignments. When I did go to class, I was often late and distracted. Tutorials give me social anxiety so I didn??t attend them. Assignments seemed overwhelming so I would put them off. Readings are hard to focus on. It has been taking me quite a long time to adjust, and earlier in the semester I overestimated my ability to perform academically. Because of this, I am now left with several classes that I did not do well in, instead of dropping a couple classes earlier in the semester to better delegate my time.
I have spoken with several counselors, therapists, doctors, and psychiatrists throughout the semester, and I have been working really hard to get better. Unfortunately, I wasn??t able to achieve what I had hoped this semester, and although I??m doing better, I believe I need some time to focus on my mental health before continuing my studies.
My plan is to take next semester (WINTER 2022) off and focus on myself, while applying for several fashion programs, hopefully Ryerson??s BDes in Fashion. This would allow me to work in a creative field that I have always been passionate in, while hopefully being able to transfer some credits from my education at Queen??s.

Thank you,

Caitlin Gillen, 20165051