Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Associate Dean,

My name is Deena Rehman (Student Number: 20263532), and I’m currently a fourth-year student in The Faculty of Arts and Science in Media and Performance Production (Specialisation). I am petitioning to drop my current failed classes as well as pass/fail the classes that I have taken over the past three years, for which I have been awarded a D+ grade or below.

Over the past three years, I have faced significant challenges in my academic performance, which I have recently come to understand were due to undiagnosed ADHD. Previously, I was misdiagnosed with generalised anxiety and depression, and subsequently put on SSRI medication (Lexapro) to help treat my symptoms. However, despite the prescribed medication, I never felt as though I was improving. Throughout this period, I was still struggling with focus, time management, and consistent academic productivity, despite my best efforts to keep up with coursework. These difficulties became increasingly severe and affected my grades in several courses, particularly those where the learning pace and workload were difficult to manage without an accurate understanding of my learning needs.
To address these concerns, I recently underwent comprehensive testing to better understand and identify my learning issues. During this process, I was formally diagnosed with ADHD over the past summer. I considered many different ADHD testing options, of which Frida was recognised to be the most well renowned and respected – this justified them as my choice of mental health provider. This diagnosis has been pivotal in explaining my persistent struggles with academic progress and deadline management. Many of the symptoms I observed – struggling with focus, attention to detail, following through on tasks, attention dysregulation, avoiding any tasks requiring mental effort, impulsivity, hyperactivity, executive function deficits, memory challenges, emotional regulation, and anxiety – all of which are core symptoms of ADHD, were all pervasive in my day to day. The symptoms had a direct impact on my ability to meet academic standards, as shown in classes where my grades fell on a D+ or below. This new understanding of my condition has been transformative, allowing me to more effectively approach my studies and seek out support to better manage my workload.

Since my diagnosis this summer, I have taken decisive steps to overcome these challenges. Collaborating with an ADHD specialist, I have developed strategies tailored to my learning needs. This includes being prescribed ADHD medication (Concerta), incorporating personalized time management techniques designed by the specialist, and engaging in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to enhance my learning. With these supports, which I intend to maintain throughout my time at Queen's, I am confident in my ability to improve academically. Over the past six weeks, I have already observed significant improvements in my grades, focus, time management, and consistency. To further demonstrate my confidence and commitment, I have chosen to undertake a full five-course load, aligning with standard student requirements rather than opting for a lighter schedule.

In light of my new diagnosis and the progress I have made, I respectfully request consideration to drop my current failed courses, and to have previous courses, where my ADHD symptoms significantly impacted my grades, assessed on a pass/fail basis. Equipped with these new tools, I am confident I can make a significant difference in my academic performance. Thank you for your time and thank you for considering my petition.