Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: I am writing to formally request a late drop for the course DEVS 220: Introduction to Indigenous Studies, which I was enrolled in during the Summer 2023 term. I acknowledge the university's policies on dropping a course by the academic deadline but believe that my situation merits an exception due to extenuating circumstances beyond my control that significantly impaired my academic performance.
I am petitioning for a late course drop based on my recent diagnosis of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and its substantial impact on my ability to manage executive functions. While I had accommodations in place through the Queen’s Student Accessibility Services (QSASS) I was unaware I have been battling against untreated ADHD until recently. This comorbid condition compounded the challenges I was already facing, severely affecting my academic performance and ability to manage the course load effectively.
Throughout the Summer 2023 term, I experienced immense difficulty with executive functions such as organization, time management, interference control, and prioritization. At the time, I was not aware that I had ADHD and as a result was not being treated for it. The lack of a comprehensive diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan made it exceptionally challenging for me to keep up with course requirements and deadlines.
Specifically, the impact on my academic performance included:
- Difficulty in managing and prioritizing assignments, leading to missed deadlines and incomplete work.
- Severe executive dysfunction, where even routine academic tasks felt insurmountable, causing a significant decline in my productivity, and increasing my stress levels.
- Inability to retain and apply information, leading to difficulty completing assignments despite my efforts to understand the course material.
- ADHD paralysis due to chronic overwhelm, where the sheer volume of tasks caused periods of complete inaction, further hindering my ability to keep up with coursework.
These challenges were particularly pronounced in DEVS 220, where the cumulative effects of my mental health conditions severely hindered my ability to effectively engage with the course material and complete the required work.

Upon receiving my ADHD diagnosis, I immediately began treatment, which has been profoundly effective in mitigating the symptoms that affected my academic performance. I have also actively continued to learn and adopt strategies to manage my condition more effectively. I have attached a letter from my family doctor, which supports my request for a late drop and confirms the recent diagnosis and the positive response to treatment.

Considering these circumstances, I respectfully request that you grant my petition for a late drop for DEVS 220. This course's impact on my overall academic performance has been significant, and I believe that this exception is necessary for me to successfully continue my academic journey, continue my aspired trajectory and have the opportunity to pursue post graduate studies. I would like to mention that I am deeply committed to managing my condition proactively and maintaining my academic standing at Queen’s University. Having been finally diagnosed and treated has been sincerely life-altering for me. I have never been more empowered to persevere or confident in my ability to succeed. I am now finally equipped with all the appropriate accommodations and ongoing medical support to excel on my academic journey. As a result, I firmly believe that I will be able to meet the university's academic expectations moving forward.