Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: June 10, 2024
Board of Studies
Queen’s University
Kingston, Ontario

Dear Board of Studies,
I am writing to formally petition against my withdrawal from Queen’s University for one year. I
understand that Queens maintains high academic standards, and I greatly respect the regulations in place.
However, I believe there are compelling reasons to reconsider my situation and grant me the opportunity
to continue my studies with the necessary support and accommodations.

Despite the challenges that continue to be a hindrance, I remain deeply committed to my education and to
succeeding at Queens. Recently, I was diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
This diagnosis has provided a crucial understanding of the challenges I have faced academically. For most
of my time at the university, I have struggled without knowing this was another underlying cause of my
difficulties. My performance has been adversely affected by my inability to access appropriate
accommodations and support that are essential for someone with my condition. In addition to my
diagnosis, I am currently dealing with a highly intense situational crisis at home. This crisis has
significantly impacted my emotional and mental well-being, further compounding the difficulties I face in
my academic life. The combination of my untreated ADHD and the situational crisis has made it
exceedingly difficult for me to meet academic expectations. However, I am very hopeful that my current
diagnosis and the available accommodations I will be utilizing, will certainly help me manage my
difficulties and experience success.

Currently, I am actively seeking treatment and support for my ADHD, including therapy and medication,
which will enable me to manage my symptoms more effectively. Furthermore, I am in the process of
seeking appropriate accommodations through the university's disability services. I have been in contact
with two of my professors who have granted me the opportunity to resubmit some course work in hopes
to bump up my final grades. While in the process of getting my final grades situated with the
communication between my professors and I, I received the letter requiring me to withdraw for a year. I
was advised that this automated letter is delivered as soon as the grades appear on SOLUS, as such, the
pending decision on my final grades has not been taken into consideration.
I am respectfully requesting the following considerations:

Revaluation of my academic standing: I ask that my recent academic performance be reviewed in light of
my ADHD diagnosis and situational crisis. Understanding the context of my challenges could provide a
more accurate reflection of my potential and commitment to my studies.

Provision of appropriate accommodations: I am eager to work with the university's disability services to
ensure that I receive the necessary accommodations to support my learning and academic success.

Opportunity to continue my education: Rather than withdrawing for a year, I request the chance to remain
enrolled with a tailored support plan. This would allow me to continue my education without interruption
and demonstrate my capabilities with the appropriate support in place. I will be providing documentation from my healthcare providers confirming my ADHD diagnosis and details of the situational crisis affecting my home life. My appointment is scheduled for July 4th. I am willing to provide any additional information or attend meetings as required to discuss my situation further.

I am confident that with the right support, I can overcome these challenges and succeed academically. I
am passionate about my field of study and am determined to contribute positively to the university
community. I hope you will consider my circumstances and grant me the opportunity to continue my
education at Queens.

Thank you for your time and understanding.
Sincerely,
Anita Nadarajah
20234592