Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Associate Dean (Academic),

Due to extenuating circumstances and a recent medical diagnosis, I am appealing to drop LLCU 110 (Winter, 2024), and GPHY 105 (Fall, 2023) and to alter these courses to credit standing; MATH 121 (Fall, Winter 2023/2024), CISC 151 (Winter, 2024), and Math 112 (Fall, 2023).

I wish to drop and alter these grades because of the challenges I faced. When I came to Queen’s, I struggled with the difference in how classes are taught. With large lecture halls and a large increase in online-only work, I realized that I just was not doing as well as I could. Throughout the 2023 fall to 2024 winter school year and up to very recently in fall 2024, I told myself that I just wasn’t doing as good as I could and I went on trying hard but struggling. As it went on, a big change did not come. I knew there was something else, a reason why I did not do as well in this new environment.

This led me to try to learn more about myself. I went through a very long assessment to find I have ADHD. I always knew I might have had it but I never was able to go through the assessment as it is expensive until recently. I received the diagnosis in October 2024 and this is why I am writing this far past the dates of some of these courses. My diagnosis was confirmed on Ventus on October 17th and accommodations were put into effect November 6th. I did not have any accommodation for this for the majority of this year and all of the previous year. Lack of accommodations has made each course I have taken so far much more difficult. I acknowledge the courses I do not wish to petition have been affected as well and were made harder but I was not affected as much as the ones I am petitioning and that is why I am not appealing them.

I did not drop these courses during the year primarily because of the funding I received from my nation (Skidegate Band, Haida Gwaii). The Haida Nation independently provides some funds to their Indigenous citizens in post-secondary, but they require a course load of 5 each semester (This has recently been altered to 4 this year). I needed to complete the 5 so I kept trying even though I knew I was not doing well. I have talked with them independently to discuss my funding along with accommodation for a reduced course load.

As of now, November 25th 2024. I have received accommodations from QSAS and I have been provided with ways to work with my diagnosis. Using my accommodations and other aids like medication and speaking with advisors will allow me to improve as a student while working with my condition. I did not have any of these aids to help me during the time of the courses I am appealing.

I am a hard working student and am very motivated and proud to continue my studies at Queens. I know I can do better and will continue working hard.

Thank you for your consideration,
Matthew McGuire