Petition Letter
Dear Dr. Stephenson,
I am writing to (1) appeal the 21-day deadline to request credit (CR) standing in a course and to (2) request credit standing in PSYC 202 (Fall 2017), PSYC 271 (Fall 2017), and PSYC 215 (Winter 2018). I will kindly explain my extenuating circumstances and outline the timeline and impact of my conditions on these courses.
PSYC 202 and PSYC 271 (Fall 2017):
During the Fall 2017 semester, major depressive disorder and panic disorder disrupted my cognitive performance, concentration, and motivation. My ailments resulted in frequent panic attacks, which, combined with the symptoms of depression, prevented me from attending lectures, completing my readings, and studying. My conditions worsened as the Fall 2017 semester advanced, and peaked during the examination period, causing me to drop 3/5 of my courses late (i.e., CHEM 281, PSYC 241, PHGY 214A). I did not drop PSYC 202 and PSYC 271 because I thought I could manage the stress and workload associated with those courses.
However, the intersections between my academic workload, homophobia from my parents, and mental health conditions significantly impacted my ability to study and perform on my PSYC 202 and PSYC 271 examinations. Particularly, I experienced debilitating panic attacks in the days leading up to, and during my PSYC 202 and PSYC 271 examinations. These panic attacks, in combination with the symptoms of depression, were beyond my control and severely impacted my ability to study. During the examinations, the panic attacks prevented me from concentrating and recalling what I had studied. While at my desk, I experienced intense physical symptoms of panic (i.e., racing heart, sweating, trembling, chills, and dizziness), and spent significant periods of time calming myself in the washroom. As a result, I obtained substantially poorer marks in PSYC 202 and PSYC 271 than I would have otherwise.
PSYC 215 (Winter 2018):
Again, in the Winter 2018 semester, my symptoms worsened as the term progressed, and heightened near the examination period. Mainly, my depression and panic attacks continued, and while on a waitlist to see a psychiatrist, I did not receive support.
After experiencing a social anxiety-induced panic attack during in a PSYC 215 tutorial, I was reluctant to return. Consequently, despite my best efforts to attend, I missed several tutorials. Before the final tutorial, I experienced severe anxiety (i.e., racing heart, sweating, and trembling), and I informed my TA that I had missed the other tutorials due to ??mental health issues? and asked to complete the last tutorial virtually (please see screenshots in supporting documentation). My TA informed me that they would not grant me another chance to make up a tutorial, and I would lose the 5% of my final grade associated with it.
Knowing that I lost 5% of my final mark, my symptoms of depression persisted. Also, knowing I had to perform outstandingly to offset the impact of the missed tutorial, I felt additional anxiety (i.e., physical and mental symptoms: racing heart, reduced concentration, disruptive thoughts, etc.) while studying for, and during my PSYC 215 exam. While writing the exam, I experienced another panic attack, which severely reduced my ability to focus and recall what I had studied, and thus further impaired my mark on the exam and in the course.
Following the Winter 2018 semester, I sought treatment from Dr. Zlatko Banic (Psychiatrist, CPSO 100002), and started on medications and therapy that allow me to manage my panic attacks and symptoms of depression. Additionally, I began receiving accommodations for extra time and occasional absences (please see my supporting documentation). In fairness to other students, I understand why my TA did not excuse my final absence, and since I was not receiving appropriate accommodations for my conditions in Winter 2018, I lost 5% of my final mark for reasons beyond my control. Therefore, I kindly request to receive credit standing in this course; had I been able to complete the tutorial virtually and been receiving appropriate accommodations, I would have performed substantially better.
21-day deadline and why I am requesting CR:
During the 21-day timeline following the completion of PSYC 202, PSYC 271, and PSYC 215, I continued to experience panic attacks, major depressive disorder, and personal extenuating circumstances with my family that prevented me from acting. I was not in a healthy mindset to consider my options and was unaware that I could request credit standing. My conditions also distorted my perspective and reduced my motivation to prioritize my academics.
I recognize that a ??B? is outside the normal range to receive credit standing. However, these marks are a detriment on my transcript and prevent me from applying to, and meeting cutoffs for professional programs (i.e., careers) and scholarships that I am interested in. Although a B is outside of the normal range to receive credit standing, the impact that these marks are having on my future is congruent with a typical mark in the C or D range, especially for competitive professional programs that I am passionate about.
Please consider that once abiding by a beneficial treatment, and receiving appropriate accommodations in Fall 2019, I have achieved straight A??s, have substantially increased my GPA, and am pursuing graduate studies. These improvements support that my poor marks in PSYC 202, PSYC 271, and PSYC 215, and my subsequent inability to request CR within the 21-day deadline, were a direct reflection of my mental illnesses and lack of proper accommodations.
I have provided a doctor??s note which speaks directly to my conditions and outlines the timeline and impact of my condition on these courses. Please let me know if there is any additional information I can provide.
Kind regards,
Alex Prosserman
I am writing to (1) appeal the 21-day deadline to request credit (CR) standing in a course and to (2) request credit standing in PSYC 202 (Fall 2017), PSYC 271 (Fall 2017), and PSYC 215 (Winter 2018). I will kindly explain my extenuating circumstances and outline the timeline and impact of my conditions on these courses.
PSYC 202 and PSYC 271 (Fall 2017):
During the Fall 2017 semester, major depressive disorder and panic disorder disrupted my cognitive performance, concentration, and motivation. My ailments resulted in frequent panic attacks, which, combined with the symptoms of depression, prevented me from attending lectures, completing my readings, and studying. My conditions worsened as the Fall 2017 semester advanced, and peaked during the examination period, causing me to drop 3/5 of my courses late (i.e., CHEM 281, PSYC 241, PHGY 214A). I did not drop PSYC 202 and PSYC 271 because I thought I could manage the stress and workload associated with those courses.
However, the intersections between my academic workload, homophobia from my parents, and mental health conditions significantly impacted my ability to study and perform on my PSYC 202 and PSYC 271 examinations. Particularly, I experienced debilitating panic attacks in the days leading up to, and during my PSYC 202 and PSYC 271 examinations. These panic attacks, in combination with the symptoms of depression, were beyond my control and severely impacted my ability to study. During the examinations, the panic attacks prevented me from concentrating and recalling what I had studied. While at my desk, I experienced intense physical symptoms of panic (i.e., racing heart, sweating, trembling, chills, and dizziness), and spent significant periods of time calming myself in the washroom. As a result, I obtained substantially poorer marks in PSYC 202 and PSYC 271 than I would have otherwise.
PSYC 215 (Winter 2018):
Again, in the Winter 2018 semester, my symptoms worsened as the term progressed, and heightened near the examination period. Mainly, my depression and panic attacks continued, and while on a waitlist to see a psychiatrist, I did not receive support.
After experiencing a social anxiety-induced panic attack during in a PSYC 215 tutorial, I was reluctant to return. Consequently, despite my best efforts to attend, I missed several tutorials. Before the final tutorial, I experienced severe anxiety (i.e., racing heart, sweating, and trembling), and I informed my TA that I had missed the other tutorials due to ??mental health issues? and asked to complete the last tutorial virtually (please see screenshots in supporting documentation). My TA informed me that they would not grant me another chance to make up a tutorial, and I would lose the 5% of my final grade associated with it.
Knowing that I lost 5% of my final mark, my symptoms of depression persisted. Also, knowing I had to perform outstandingly to offset the impact of the missed tutorial, I felt additional anxiety (i.e., physical and mental symptoms: racing heart, reduced concentration, disruptive thoughts, etc.) while studying for, and during my PSYC 215 exam. While writing the exam, I experienced another panic attack, which severely reduced my ability to focus and recall what I had studied, and thus further impaired my mark on the exam and in the course.
Following the Winter 2018 semester, I sought treatment from Dr. Zlatko Banic (Psychiatrist, CPSO 100002), and started on medications and therapy that allow me to manage my panic attacks and symptoms of depression. Additionally, I began receiving accommodations for extra time and occasional absences (please see my supporting documentation). In fairness to other students, I understand why my TA did not excuse my final absence, and since I was not receiving appropriate accommodations for my conditions in Winter 2018, I lost 5% of my final mark for reasons beyond my control. Therefore, I kindly request to receive credit standing in this course; had I been able to complete the tutorial virtually and been receiving appropriate accommodations, I would have performed substantially better.
21-day deadline and why I am requesting CR:
During the 21-day timeline following the completion of PSYC 202, PSYC 271, and PSYC 215, I continued to experience panic attacks, major depressive disorder, and personal extenuating circumstances with my family that prevented me from acting. I was not in a healthy mindset to consider my options and was unaware that I could request credit standing. My conditions also distorted my perspective and reduced my motivation to prioritize my academics.
I recognize that a ??B? is outside the normal range to receive credit standing. However, these marks are a detriment on my transcript and prevent me from applying to, and meeting cutoffs for professional programs (i.e., careers) and scholarships that I am interested in. Although a B is outside of the normal range to receive credit standing, the impact that these marks are having on my future is congruent with a typical mark in the C or D range, especially for competitive professional programs that I am passionate about.
Please consider that once abiding by a beneficial treatment, and receiving appropriate accommodations in Fall 2019, I have achieved straight A??s, have substantially increased my GPA, and am pursuing graduate studies. These improvements support that my poor marks in PSYC 202, PSYC 271, and PSYC 215, and my subsequent inability to request CR within the 21-day deadline, were a direct reflection of my mental illnesses and lack of proper accommodations.
I have provided a doctor??s note which speaks directly to my conditions and outlines the timeline and impact of my condition on these courses. Please let me know if there is any additional information I can provide.
Kind regards,
Alex Prosserman