Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: I am petitioning that credit standing (CR) be granted for eligible courses I have completed at or below a grade of C-. Your acceptance of this petition would allow me to continue my studies towards my Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Geology without being required to withdraw for a year. Included courses are four courses from the 2023 winter term (MATH 121, PHYS 106, BIOL 103, and CHEM 112) and three courses from the 2023 fall term (BIOL 243, PHAR 100, and GEOL 232). I believe my petition should be accepted due to extenuating circumstances related to a newly diagnosed learning disability and associated mental health issues. These have had a significant impact on my academic performance since I started at Queen’s, as I describe below.
I am from British Columbia and enrolled in the fall of 2023 with a full BSc first year course load. Although I was fully engaged in my courses, I experienced great difficulty organizing myself and staying on track, which is reflected in my academic results. I had always been a successful student, so this left me feeling confused, frustrated, and embarrassed, leading to poor mental health. I was not fully aware of the resources available to assist me and did not admit to myself that I needed help. When I did reach out for academic support, it seemed to me it was limited to assistance with writing papers, which was not relevant to my studies or difficulties. At the end of first year, I passed all my courses, but I was placed on academic probation because of a low GPA.
After returning home in the spring of 2023 and discussing the situation with my parents, we arranged for a psychoeducational evaluation. Arranging the testing took time with results not received until August 26th. The results revealed I have learning disabilities and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), as well as mild depression and anxiety (evaluation attached). The psychologist recommended I consider using medication and taught me basic study strategies. I saw my family doctor on August 28th, who referred me to a psychiatrist, and I started ADHD medication just before returning to school on September 1st.
For fall of 2023, with a diagnosis and feeling optimistic, I overestimated my capabilities and registered for a full second year course load. This was a mistake. The medication dosage was inadequate, the same academic problems persisted, and they were compounded by difficulty sleeping due to medication side-effects. Because the medication is a controlled substance, it was difficult to get any assistance for it in Ontario. During the fall, I registered with QSAS and began to use its services and the accommodations available to me.
Since returning to school for the winter term, I feel I am making progress. I have both a better understanding and acceptance of my limitations, which is why I decided to take only four courses. In retrospect, I should have taken three while I worked to address these limitations. In February, I communicated to my parents I felt I needed a medication adjustment, and they scheduled a follow-up with my doctor during the winter break. My medication dosage was increased. Due to long waiting lists, my psychiatrist appointment will not take place until May.
I am from BC, so withdrawing for a year would mean I would have to give up my room in my house and my housemates, who support me. They contribute to a stable, structured, and studious environment. Also, they assist me to stay organized, ensure I do not sleep in, regularly check in with me concerning my mental health, and help in many other ways. They are invested in helping me succeed and losing my room would put up a large barrier to my return.
I am thoroughly enjoying the Geology program at Queen’s. I am learning the material and feel my grades do not reflect that yet. I believe the fact I have passed all my classes with a full course load, despite my challenges, show I am determined to succeed. My entire family has attended Queen’s. My mother has three Queen’s degrees, my sister is a recent graduate and my father, uncle and aunt also attended. I would very much like to complete my BSc in Geology at Queen’s, as completion is critical to my career plans. Ultimately, I would like to attain my P. Geo. (Professional Geologist) certification.
I have an academic success plan based on the lessons I have learned in my first two years at Queen’s. I hope this will demonstrate I am not asking to continue without a plan to change things. I now fully accept I have learning disabilities and am taking action to address them. My action plan includes the following:
• Attend my first psychiatrist appointment on May 6th, which gives me four months for follow-up until school starts again.
• Meet with my educational psychologist regularly through the summer to develop better strategies now that I have a better idea of the areas that are most difficult. This will allow me to focus on the strategies while not simultaneously being enrolled in courses.
• Register for only three courses in Fall 2024.
• Schedule an appointment with Student Wellness for the first week back and schedule monthly follow-ups, so I will always have an appointment available if needed.
• Continue to utilize my current accommodations with QSAS and investigate any further services (e.g., ADHD support group). Having a lighter course load will allow me more time to access support services.
• Reach out to my professors at the beginning of the term and explain that I may check in from time to time for assistance to make sure I stay on track. I began this during the winter term and can see the potential of this approach.
• Continue to live with my current housemates and use them to maintain a structured living environment.
• Be generally pro-active in accessing support. I plan to communicate more and openly with my parents and QSAS. This will help me stay on track, be accountable, and avoid getting overwhelmed.