Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: My name is Alison Carrier. I am in my fifth year at Queen’s. Since the beginning of this year, I have experienced hardships. I experienced something traumatizing at the beginning of April. I experienced a hate crime based on my sexuality. To provide context, I am a gay woman who has been openly out for a couple of years. In April, a longtime friend invited me to a cottage weekend with her friends. I had not met these three girls before the cottage weekend. The first night I got there, I experienced homophobia. The three girls and I, at the time friends, threatened me based on my sexuality. I was called a homophobic slur multiple times. I called and had someone pick me up that night because of my fear for my safety. I lost a longtime friend and experienced a hate crime. This occurred right before my exams, too. I had already been struggling this semester because of the struggle to find proper medication for my ADHD. My grades were slipping last semester and ultimately got worse after my traumatic experience. The experience I had carried a lot of mental weight and sent me into a depressive episode. It made everyday tasks challenging, including my academics.
I got diagnosed with ADHD more recently in my diagnoses but have found no medications that work. The stimulants made my other diagnoses worse. I am sharing this to provide further context, but I take responsibility for my role in my grades slipping. I did have external stressors adding to it, but I do recognize my part in it as well.
Academics have always been something I have loved. Losing that love or stride has been challenging. I am adamant about finishing my degree and doing it the right way. I am proud to attend Queen’s and want to finish as strong as possible. I reached out to professors and communicated but still failed to meet deadlines as the traumatic experience kept taking a toll on my well-being. I reached out to my therapist and worked with them. I booked an appointment with my family doctor and shared what had happened to me. We discussed the options I had and what my next move should be. My doctor explained that, with my degree being close to done, she suggested the appeal. She wrote a letter, which is attached to this petition. I am currently working with her to find proper medication that will work for me.
I am aware of the work involved in finishing and what I need to do. I do struggle with mental health and this year was especially hard. Although, I am driven to finish, and I want to succeed. I look forward hearing from you. Thank you for your time.