Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Associate Dean,
Re: Petition to Drop Two Courses from Academic Record

I am writing to formally petition for the removal of two courses from my academic record: PSYC 100 and SOCY 122. I understand the gravity of this request, and I appreciate your consideration of the extenuating circumstances that have significantly impacted my academic performance over the past year.

Extenuating Circumstances

Since the age of ten, I have struggled with anxiety and depression, for which I have been on medication, but alway managed to keep up with school. However, over the past year, I also experienced significant challenges related to ADHD. Despite my ongoing efforts to seek help, including being diagnosed by my psychotherapist, Susan Moore (letter is attached), in September 2023, I faced long delays in receiving appropriate treatment. My appointment with a psychiatrist, Dr. Leigh Solomon (letter is attached) took over 5 months to get in April of 2024, at North General Hospital, where I was finally prescribed medication. However, balancing this new medication with my existing anxiety medication proved difficult and time-consuming. As recently as June 3rd, I have now started a new medication that shows promise in helping me focus and manage my symptoms effectively.

This prolonged period without the proper medication severely impacted my ability to concentrate in large university classrooms, study efficiently, and perform during exams. Despite my best efforts, not being on the right doses of both medications, I found myself unable to access the knowledge I had studied so hard for, resulting in suboptimal academic performance

Compounding these challenges, I was also subjected to severe harassment and stalking by a fellow student in my residence at Vic Hall, beginning in October 2023. This harassment led to significant emotional distress, causing me to isolate myself in my room, avoid going to class as he was in several of my classes, I lost a significant amount of weight due to fear of encountering my harasser in the cafeteria, or halls. This situation further hindered my ability to keep up with my studies. After informing my parents and lodging a complaint with the residence office, I was finally relocated to a safer environment in February 2024. However, the disruption and emotional toll of moving exacerbated my existing challenges.

Steps Taken and Future Plans

Throughout these difficulties, I sought support from various sources, including the Queen's medical clinic and multiple walk-in clinics in Kingston, although I initially struggled to find adequate help. I have since applied for and received academic consideration, which has been instrumental in managing my situation.

Looking ahead, I am committed to working closely with my psychiatrist to find the right medication balance and receive counselling. With the correct treatment, I am confident that I can achieve the high academic standards I maintained in high school. I am also excited to be living with five supportive friends in my second year, which I believe will further enhance my ability to succeed.

Given these significant extenuating circumstances, I kindly request the removal of PSYC 100 and SOCY 122 from my academic record to prevent these experiences from unfairly impacting my GPA. This is a one-time request, and I am determined to work diligently to regain my academic standing and excel in my studies moving forward.
Thank you for your understanding and consideration. I am deeply grateful for the support and assistance provided by the university, and I am eager to continue my education at Queen's with a renewed focus and commitment.

Sincerely,

Taylor Durnford
20405526