Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Dr. Jenn Stephenson, Associate Dean (Academic),
I am writing to request your assistance and understanding regarding my current academic
probation status. I have outlined the specific requests below as well as provided some detail
around my circumstances in the hopes of finding a positive way to move forward with my
academic studies. In discussions with the Student Wellness Team, they suggested that the best
course of action would be to file a petition and by doing so, this would hopefully be reflected in
a change in my probation status.
The Request:
I am petitioning to have my grades from year two of my studies (22/23) reassessed. Specifically,
I am petitioning to have the following course mark changed from their current grade to Credit
Standing (CR): ENSC230 (Winter 2023).
Additionally, I am petitioning to have the following courses, which I did not pass, changed to
dropped course (DR): ECON212 (Fall 2022), STATS263 (Fall 2022), ECON222 (Fall 2022),
EMPR270 (Winter 2023), GPHY102 (Winter 2023), LLCU244 (Winter 2023)
Explanation of Extenuating Circumstances:
I have been struggling at Queen’s with my studies, but it came to full light in my second year. I
came to the realization that Economics (my current major) was not the direction I wanted to
proceed with. During that time, I became anxious, had trouble sleeping and noticed that it was
even more difficult to focus on my courses both during class and while completing homework,
assignments, tests, and exams. The difficulties I was experiencing at school reached a point
where they started to impact my mental well-being and I struggled to do everyday tasks.
The stress that accompanied the condition worsened as I continued to do poorly at school. It
paralyzed me somewhat. I kept convincing myself that I could manage this on my own. I didn’t
want to feel stupid, which is why I didn’t seek help sooner and why I didn’t drop the courses
that I should have. It was a mistake that I see now, and it has put my academic career in
jeopardy by being placed on probation.
Over the summer (2023), I realized that I couldn’t go on like this and I saw my doctor who
recommended that I get assessed for ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder). I received
a formal diagnosis of combined ADHD. To be honest the diagnosis came somewhat as a relief. I
have since been prescribed medication to help me manage the diagnosis and have a regular
treatment plan with my doctor.  I have included my assessment for your reference.
Future Plan
This year has been a fresh start for me. As mentioned, I am currently taking medication daily,
which is being monitored by my doctor, as well as my mental well-being. I have a tutor and
have enrolled in extra help classes to help me manage my course load as well as help me stay
on track, organized and focused. I have been in touch with the Student Wellness Centre to
discuss my situation and how best to improve it. We have also reviewed accommodations to
work with my diagnosis. I have already noticed an improvement in my mental health, but

equally as important in how I am managing my classes. For the first time in a very long time, I
feel good about myself and my future.
This formal petition to change some of my courses to CR or DR, is in an effort to improve my
academic standing and ideally remove my probation status. This would go a long way to helping
with my efforts to get back on track with my academics and remove the tremendous weight
that I feel, as I work to better myself.
I am very dedicated to working to improve and to be the best I can and to get the most out of
the education I am receiving at Queen’s. I am truly appreciative of your consideration of this
matter.
Sincerely,
Aidan McGillivray