Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Associate Dean,

I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to formally appeal the decision to require my withdrawal for one year due to my academic probation status. I understand the gravity of my academic situation and the university policies regarding academic performance. I appreciate the thorough consideration given to my circumstances and I would like to present a detailed account of the challenges I have faced, as well as a comprehensive plan to address these issues and succeed academically moving forward.

Over the past two years, I have encountered significant personal and health-related challenges that have profoundly impacted my academic performance. In my first year, I struggled with the transition to university life. This transition was particularly difficult for me due to severe mental health issues, including anxiety and depressive episodes. The abrupt shift to a new environment, coupled with the pressures of academic performance and social integration, exacerbated my mental health struggles.

In my second semester this year, my mental health deteriorated further, reaching its lowest point. The overwhelming stress and anxiety I experienced severely affected my ability to focus on my studies and perform well in my courses whether this was being able to complete an assignment or test without getting overwhelmed and having a panic attack where it was oftentimes hard to think and in a rarer case (anat100) not being able to complete the full course. Despite these challenges, I took proactive steps to seek help and began working with a mental health counsellor/therapist (Brittany Pratt) through the university QSAS. This therapeutic relationship provided me with some relief and guidance, helping me manage my mental health better. However, it was not sufficient to completely counteract the impact on my academic performance.

In addition to my mental health struggles, I faced significant physical health issues. I have a history of asthma, and over the past year, I suffered from severe bronchitis and other illnesses that recurred almost every month. These health problems were debilitating, often confining me to bed for extended periods and severely affecting my ability to attend classes and complete coursework. The frequent illnesses not only impacted my physical health but also exacerbated my anxiety and depression, creating a vicious cycle that was difficult to break.

Despite these setbacks, I am deeply committed to improving my academic standing and overall well-being. I have developed a comprehensive plan, with the guidance of my therapist and healthcare providers, that I believe will enable me to succeed. I respectfully request that the university reconsider the decision to require my withdrawal and allow me to implement this plan that I have outlined in the academic plan section below.

I am passionate about my education and determined to overcome the obstacles that have hindered my academic progress. I am confident that with the plan I have outlined, along with the continued support from the university, I can demonstrate substantial improvement and academic success. I deeply value the opportunity to continue my studies at Queen’s, and I am committed to making the necessary changes to achieve my goals.

Moreover, I want to assure you that my condition has significantly improved and is being effectively managed. Through consistent therapy sessions and a dedicated health management plan, I have made considerable progress in stabilizing my mental and physical health. These improvements ensure that my health issues will not have a significant detrimental effect on my future academic performance. With these measures in place, I am confident in my ability to succeed and contribute positively to the university community.

I understand that the university must maintain high academic standards, and I am prepared to meet those standards with the support and resources available. I am more than willing to discuss this matter further and provide any additional documentation or information that may be required to support my appeal. Currently, I am in the process of obtaining documentation from the Queen’s Student Accessibility Services (QSAS) therapist. I have an appointment/meeting scheduled for the 26th, which was the earliest available appointment. I will submit and attach the documentation note/letter as soon as I receive it.

Thank you for taking the time to consider my appeal. I hope for a favourable reconsideration of my case and the chance to prove my dedication and potential as a student at Queen’s University.