Petition Letter
Matthew Silva - CISC 203 Grade Appeal
To the Associate Dean¿¿s office,
I am writing this appeal to have my failed grade in CISC 203 Discrete Math dropped due to extenuating circumstances. Throughout my first semester of the 2017/2018 academic year, during which I was enrolled in CISC 203, I suffered from heavy depression and anxiety on top of my already present ADHD. Furthermore, I struggled with living away from home (Toronto) and taking care of myself. I found myself unable to get out of bed, sleeping often in excess of 16 hours a day, and eating 1 meal a day. I would spend the majority of the day waiting around for my roommates to return from their studies as they were my only friends and form of social contact (loneliness was a large part of what aggravated my depression). However, they were often home very late due to studying or spending time with other friends, so even then, I saw them much less than one would often see a housemate. My depression began at the beginning of the school year and increased as I spent more and more days alone with little to no social contact, while watching my mark slip in this course feeling unable to do anything to fix it. My ADHD strained my ability to focus to begin with, but the added depression sucked away any motivation I had to study/attend lectures/leave the house and confined me mostly to my bed and room.
My depression and anxiety had such a strong effect on my schooling, that it did not only cause my CISC 203 grade to suffer, but also for me to take time away from school and return home to improve my well-being, both physically and mentally. I am writing this from my home in Toronto as I take steps to prepare myself to eventually return to Queen¿¿s to complete my studies.
During the time I was suffering these extenuating circumstances, I took steps to try and remedy my situation and improve my performance in the class. I signed up for ASUS peer tutoring for CISC 203 and met several times with the tutor to study (I can provide the tutor¿¿s name and email if needed). Furthermore, I met several times with Dr. Borins at La Salle building on Queen¿¿s campus to discuss ADHD medication that would help motivate me and keep me focused on the course. Unfortunately, the medications we tried only made my stomach upset and reduced my appetite even further (that being said, Dr. Borins was very helpful and supportive). Unfortunately, while these were helpful, they were not enough.
Unfortunately, I do not have documentation from my personal doctor regarding my ADHD and anxiety disorder; however, I can provide it as necessary at a later date.
I hope you can understand my circumstances, and regardless of your decision, thank you for taking the time to read my letter.
To the Associate Dean¿¿s office,
I am writing this appeal to have my failed grade in CISC 203 Discrete Math dropped due to extenuating circumstances. Throughout my first semester of the 2017/2018 academic year, during which I was enrolled in CISC 203, I suffered from heavy depression and anxiety on top of my already present ADHD. Furthermore, I struggled with living away from home (Toronto) and taking care of myself. I found myself unable to get out of bed, sleeping often in excess of 16 hours a day, and eating 1 meal a day. I would spend the majority of the day waiting around for my roommates to return from their studies as they were my only friends and form of social contact (loneliness was a large part of what aggravated my depression). However, they were often home very late due to studying or spending time with other friends, so even then, I saw them much less than one would often see a housemate. My depression began at the beginning of the school year and increased as I spent more and more days alone with little to no social contact, while watching my mark slip in this course feeling unable to do anything to fix it. My ADHD strained my ability to focus to begin with, but the added depression sucked away any motivation I had to study/attend lectures/leave the house and confined me mostly to my bed and room.
My depression and anxiety had such a strong effect on my schooling, that it did not only cause my CISC 203 grade to suffer, but also for me to take time away from school and return home to improve my well-being, both physically and mentally. I am writing this from my home in Toronto as I take steps to prepare myself to eventually return to Queen¿¿s to complete my studies.
During the time I was suffering these extenuating circumstances, I took steps to try and remedy my situation and improve my performance in the class. I signed up for ASUS peer tutoring for CISC 203 and met several times with the tutor to study (I can provide the tutor¿¿s name and email if needed). Furthermore, I met several times with Dr. Borins at La Salle building on Queen¿¿s campus to discuss ADHD medication that would help motivate me and keep me focused on the course. Unfortunately, the medications we tried only made my stomach upset and reduced my appetite even further (that being said, Dr. Borins was very helpful and supportive). Unfortunately, while these were helpful, they were not enough.
Unfortunately, I do not have documentation from my personal doctor regarding my ADHD and anxiety disorder; however, I can provide it as necessary at a later date.
I hope you can understand my circumstances, and regardless of your decision, thank you for taking the time to read my letter.