Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: September 13, 2022

Dr. Jenn Stephenson
Associate Dean (Academic)
Student Services; Queen??s University

Dear Dr. Jenn Stephenson,

I am writing this appeal to drop the course, KNPE255 (winter, 2022), taught by Dr. Robert Ross. Unfortunately extenuating circumstances relating to my current health condition have adversely affected my academic performance; with symptoms consuming much of my time and energy, I was unable to successfully complete the course evaluations.

Without going into specific detail, the extenuating circumstance beyond my control is due to a relapse into mental illness and disordered eating. The onset of these significant symptoms arose around February 25 2022, towards the end of reading week as Queen??s transitioned back to in-person instruction. These symptoms increased in severity each week until the end of the semester. The significance of these symptoms are evident in the completion of my course work; I successfully completed Midterm 1 (Online - February 9th), however due to the escalation in symptom severity I was unable to attend Midterm 2 (in-person - March 16th) or the final examination (in-person - April 14th). I then wrote a deferred final exam with the weight of Midterm 2 put onto the final. In terms of this deferred exam, I attended the exam, however due to these conditions preventing me from studying effectively as well as preventing me from putting in my optimum effort while writing; I earned a substantially lower grade than might have been expected.

I did not drop the course earlier (before March 4th) as it was not until February 25, 2022 during Queen??s transition back in person instruction, that the onset of my symptoms began to adversely affect my academic performance. I would have requested an appeal to drop the course earlier, however, I was unaware of this option, as well as the duration of my critical symptoms were unforeseen.

Though this appeal is only to drop KNPE255, it is not to mention the impact these extenuating circumstances had on my other courses. I was able to complete KNPE254 and KNPE227 even after returning to on-campus, as the majority of the course along with their final examinations were still delivered online. However, ANAT315 transitioned back fully in person and I was unable to successfully complete the course. I have also submitted an appeal to drop this course.

I am currently a student registered with Queen??s Student Accessibility Services for mental health. My accommodations made the deferral process for the evaluations previously stated much easier, however the unforeseen severity and relapse of my symptoms at the time are outside what is permitted under my accommodations.

Should this appeal be granted, my plan for achieving academic success includes taking KNPE255 in the winter term of my fourth year (winter, 2024). Along with taking the course again, I take summer courses to lighten my course load for the fall and winter terms. I am also registered with accommodations through Queen??s Student Accessibility Services. As I enter my 3rd year of studies, I am managing my current health condition by receiving outpatient services from Dr. Jane Nixon, as well as attending weekly appointments with registered psychotherapist Lisa Hickling Miller to prevent future relapse in symptom severity. Lastly, I have also made an appointment with a mental health counselor at student wellness services to develop an individualized care plan to ensure it does not negatively affect my academic progress again.

Attached is a letter from my health care professional, registered psychotherapist Lisa Hickling Miller confirming this extenuating circumstance. As well as an off-campus physician??s note by Dr. Nixon.

Sincerely,

Hannah Seckler