Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Associate Dean (Academic),
I have just finished my second year on academic probation. After not fully meeting the requirements to overcome the probation (therefore being required to withdraw) due to circumstances that were found and dealt with late in the year, I was planning on submitting an appeal outlining this so that I could hopefully continue my studies. Before that, however, I was sent a letter saying that my requirement to withdraw for one year was subsequently waived and I can continue, but still on probation, and with a reduced course load. I am hoping to potentially appeal that reduced course load/part time requirement, and carry on with my studies normally, however still on probation.

Coming to Queen’s in first year was a big jump, as it is for most, and it took a while for me to settle in. It was difficult off the bat for me to focus on my work, I felt extremely overwhelmed, and I was suffering from depression and anxiety. This, although not entirely, contributed a great deal to me failing some classes and having a low GPA, essentially leading me to be placed on academic probation this past year. My second year was, if anything, my worst year yet. I had not planned out how I was going to make the year better than the previous, both for myself and for my academics. Additionally, I was living with people I did not know well and did not act in my interests at all, creating an extremely frustrating, stressful, and poor living environment. This led me to have a similar, yet worse, mental state as first year for majority of this year’s first term and part of second term. All this, combined with pre-existing circumstances led me to not being focused on my work, not being able to complete my work on time, to the best of my abilities, or, at all.

Furthermore, and most importantly, I did not receive an official diagnosis for ADHD until part of the way through second term this past year, therefore not having accommodations in place to support me. Following my diagnosis over the winter break, I was prescribed with some medication in the months following. I further began to form habits that would generally help my mental well-being aside from the diagnosis. In the following months after starting the medication and receiving the accommodations, I not only find myself doing better in my academics, but also finding enjoyment in learning and doing my work. I was able to manage time better and keep myself more organized, thus allowing me to complete assignments on time and at a much higher level. Although I did much better in my second term, my first term was extremely poor, and the consequences further carried onto the second term through full year classes and cumulative GPAs.

In the coming year, I have formed a plan for myself that will essentially help me to perform to my full potential in my academics. I am now in a new living environment that is not only close to campus, unlike my previous house, and has people in it that are supportive, uplifting, and will motivate me to do better for myself. I have been taking my medication consistently, switching the dosages if needed with my doctor, and have experienced immense improvement in how I perform in both academic and personal environments. Unlike the previous years where I tried to keep my problems and concerns to myself, I will open myself up to the help I need, both through academic advisors, and other professionals I need. I have furthermore picked up habits that essentially help my mental well-being, and I am finally at a place where I am excited for my academics and future.

I feel confident in my abilities to perform well this coming year and considering that I only chose a specific major this month, I believe that allowing me to continue my studies with a normal courseload will be beneficial to me and my academic progress. If the Fall semester begins and I feel that I am in the same boat as in the past, I will plan to reach out to an advisor and potentially drop a class if I need to as well.

I appreciate your time and concern.

Yours sincerely,
Maddie Angus 20360694