Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Associate Dean, I hope this letter finds you well.

My name is Mateo Seymour, I am finishing my first year at Queen??s under the ArtsSci program and was diagnosed with ADHD by a neuropsychologist in November of 2021.

I want to inform you that I struggled this school year and would like to take this opportunity to explain why, as well as ask for consideration.

I am a graduate of UCC in Toronto, and following my diagnosis in grade 12 I considered taking ADHD medicine but was able to comfortably complete my final year without doing so. I further felt encouraged to continue without medication heading into first year, as I had been concerned with potential side effects.

My first semester at Queen??s was difficult for me as I felt more academic pressure, and faced more distractions by being away from home for the first time. Obviously, this was compounded by my ADHD and resulted in me failing 2 courses; ECON 111 and HLTH 101.

It wasn??t until late February that I decided with my doctor and my parents, to get a prescription for Vyvanse. My first dosages were taken in mid-March and I have been working with my doctor to find the right dosage amount. I believe the medication is helping me as I feel less distracted, more organized when it comes to planning assignments, and I find it easier to study for longer periods of time. I have also enlisted in the QSAS program to get accommodations on assignments.

I believe the first semester and a half of my first year was a learning experience for me, and I am committed to staying on the medication as well to seek help when needed to perform better in the future.

That being said, I would respectfully ask if my 2 failed courses could be removed from my transcript, in order for me to move forward without the stress of a potential 1-year withdrawal. I recognize this is asking a lot but I am hoping you will consider this in light of my circumstances.

I have provided documentation as proof of my diagnosis. The password for the document is ??dupont2022?.

Sincerely,
Mateo Seymour