Petition Letter
To the Associate Dean (Studies),
I am appealing to drop the following courses:
HIST 434 (Fall/Winter, 2014/15), HIST 206 (Winter, 2015), HIST 274 (Winter, 2015), HIST 431 (Fall, 2014), HIST 102 (Fall, 2014), HIST 218 (Fall, 2014) and ECON 112 (Winter, 2015).
During the academic year 2013/14, I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety and as a result was not able to complete my fourth year. After returning home to Ottawa I began to see a psychologist regularly and was prescribed an anti-depressant to help me cope with my illness. I worked over the summer while continuing my treatment and eventually decided I was healthy enough to return to my studies in the fall. I returned to Queen's in September of 2014 intending to finish my Bachelor of Arts, Honours, in History. In October of 2014 I once again began to feel depressed and anxious and withdrew from my studies entirely, not attending class or completing assignments. This carried over into the winter term where I have not attended any of my classes save one History seminar.
As the winter term progressed I began to have suicidal thoughts, and was intending to carry out these thoughts, but before I did I checked myself in to Kingston General Hospital. I spent 5 days in the Mental Health Ward at KGH where I was once again prescribed an anti-depressant, received counselling from doctors and nurses and was able to talk to my family about my situation. I have since received counselling at Health and Disability Services and will begin attending a group therapy program at KGH for the next month.
After having spoken to the undergraduate advisor in the department of history and an academic advisor at the faculty of Arts and Science, I have decided to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in History rather than an honours degree. Also, after discussions with my family and medical professionals, I have agreed it would be best to complete this degree closer to home. As such, one plan I have is to look in to whether or not Carleton University or Ottawa University has courses equivalent to the 4.5 credits I require to graduate, and applying for a letter of permission to become a visiting student at one of those institutions.
I intend to continue with my medication, finish the group program at KGH before returning to Ottawa where both my family doctor and my psychologist have been notified of my circumstances. I am lucky in that I have a wonderful support system here in Kingston in my friends and the health services on campus, and in Ottawa with my family, friends, and doctors. For the remainder of the term my mother will stay with me in Kingston as support and help, before my return to Ottawa.
I have already submitted the supporting documents from my doctors required for this appeal to the faculty office. Thank you very much for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Stephen Mattiussi (06221690)
I am appealing to drop the following courses:
HIST 434 (Fall/Winter, 2014/15), HIST 206 (Winter, 2015), HIST 274 (Winter, 2015), HIST 431 (Fall, 2014), HIST 102 (Fall, 2014), HIST 218 (Fall, 2014) and ECON 112 (Winter, 2015).
During the academic year 2013/14, I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety and as a result was not able to complete my fourth year. After returning home to Ottawa I began to see a psychologist regularly and was prescribed an anti-depressant to help me cope with my illness. I worked over the summer while continuing my treatment and eventually decided I was healthy enough to return to my studies in the fall. I returned to Queen's in September of 2014 intending to finish my Bachelor of Arts, Honours, in History. In October of 2014 I once again began to feel depressed and anxious and withdrew from my studies entirely, not attending class or completing assignments. This carried over into the winter term where I have not attended any of my classes save one History seminar.
As the winter term progressed I began to have suicidal thoughts, and was intending to carry out these thoughts, but before I did I checked myself in to Kingston General Hospital. I spent 5 days in the Mental Health Ward at KGH where I was once again prescribed an anti-depressant, received counselling from doctors and nurses and was able to talk to my family about my situation. I have since received counselling at Health and Disability Services and will begin attending a group therapy program at KGH for the next month.
After having spoken to the undergraduate advisor in the department of history and an academic advisor at the faculty of Arts and Science, I have decided to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in History rather than an honours degree. Also, after discussions with my family and medical professionals, I have agreed it would be best to complete this degree closer to home. As such, one plan I have is to look in to whether or not Carleton University or Ottawa University has courses equivalent to the 4.5 credits I require to graduate, and applying for a letter of permission to become a visiting student at one of those institutions.
I intend to continue with my medication, finish the group program at KGH before returning to Ottawa where both my family doctor and my psychologist have been notified of my circumstances. I am lucky in that I have a wonderful support system here in Kingston in my friends and the health services on campus, and in Ottawa with my family, friends, and doctors. For the remainder of the term my mother will stay with me in Kingston as support and help, before my return to Ottawa.
I have already submitted the supporting documents from my doctors required for this appeal to the faculty office. Thank you very much for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Stephen Mattiussi (06221690)