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Petition Type: New
ID: 13314
Submitted: June 10, 2025 at 7:41:08 PM
First Name: Luke
Last Name: McBrien
Pronoun: He/Him
Preferred Name: Luke
Student Number: 20327417
Degree Program: BAH
Plan: ECON
Level of Study: 3

Petition Categories

Petition Categories: Waive the requirement to withdraw for one year

Petition Letter

Petition Letter:

Good Morning/Afternoon/Evening,


I’m writing in regard to the requirement for me to withdraw from Queen’s for one year. Over the past two years, I’ve experienced significant mental health challenges that have deeply affected my academic performance. I was living in an environment that negatively impacted my well-being, leaving me unmotivated and disconnected from the student I know I can be. These circumstances led to poor eating habits, notable weight loss, ongoing anxiety, and a sense of self-doubt that became a major burden on both my physical health and academic success. I felt lost in my degree in 2nd year and tried to make a jump into political science in 3rd which was a mistake and only put more of a burden on my well-being as I had no belief in myself, and felt like I couldn’t talk to anyone.

This past year (3rd year), as I began to fully recognize how much I was struggling, I made the decision to take control of my situation. I recognized the poor living conditions and unhealthy habits was taking a toll on me mentally and leaving me unmotivated, depressed, and anxious. I’ve secured a new lease beginning in September in a healthier, more stable living environment that I believe will allow me to prioritize my academics and protect my overall well-being.

After many conversations with my family and support network, I’ve come to the conclusion that returning to Queen’s in Fall 2025 striving to get my Economics degree is the right path forward. If my request is granted, I am going to book a meeting with an academic advisor first thing to set a plan in place for exactly what I need to take and ensure I am enrolled in the necessary classes. By the end of first semester my parents and I have decided to regroup based on how I’m feeling whether I continue to pursue an Honours degree or whether I go into a general Economics degree. I’m confident in my ability to succeed, and those around me share that belief. I sincerely hope you can share in that belief as well.

To ensure I stay on track, I’m committed to meeting with an academic advisor as frequently as needed and maintaining regular communication with my doctor. My parents will also be actively involved in monitoring my academic progress to help keep me accountable and supported throughout the year.

The stress and anxiety I’ve felt since receiving this notice has been overwhelming, but I am determined to turn this around and become the student I know I am capable of being. I am committed to making Fall 2025 a fresh start and getting my undergraduate studies back on track.

I truly hope you’ll consider waiving the requirement for me to withdraw and allow me to continue my studies in Fall 2025. If it would be helpful, I’m more than willing to meet in person or virtually to further discuss my request.

Thank you for your time and understanding.

Kind regards,


Luke McBrien

Student ID: 20327417

Academic Plan

Academic Plan:
Academic Plan

My academic plan will outline three key steps I will take to ensure academic success and personal well-being should my petition to remain enrolled at Queen’s University for the 2025–2026 academic year be granted. It addresses both the academic challenges I’ve faced due to mental health difficulties and the adjustments I am committed to implementing moving forward to support long-term success.

1. Adjustments in my learning

a. I will remain in the Economics program but will consult with an academic advisor at the beginning of the term to determine whether pursuing a General or Honours degree is best suited to my current goals and circumstances. This will be reassessed at the end of Fall term.

b. I will book an academic advising appointment before Fall registration to create a detailed plan for completing my degree. I will continue meeting with my academic advisor at least once per month to monitor progress, address concerns early, and remain on track.

c. I will utilize the on-campus support services to benefit my learning whether it's through peer tutoring, SASS or ASC Academic Advising

2. Mental/Physical Health Management

a. I will actively remain in contact with my doctor throughout the year for mental health check-ins, to monitor my anxiousness, stress and overall well-being.

b. I’ve secured a new lease beginning in September 2025 that will provide a more stable and healthy environment, with quiet spaces to study, and take care of my well being

c. I will ensure I continue my routine from this summer in my full time internship which is prioritizing three meals a day, any sort of exercise throughout the day to keep me active (sports, running, gym, etc.), and a healthy amount of sleep. This summer I have gotten a Whoop watch which tracks my steps, sleep performance, recovery and many other things to hold me accountable.

3. Accountability and Support Network

a. My parents will continue to check in regularly on myself and my academic progress which will provide emotional support, accountability, and a structured reflection process.

b. As mentioned prior I will utilize my whoop to keep me accountable in my physical well-being, as well as I have begun journalling this summer whether it's writing down how I feel or even just what I have to do for the week. This has helped keep me organized and on-task in my job and I feel strongly confident will benefit me a lot in school come Fall 2025.

Should I begin to encounter struggles again I will not be afraid to reach out to all the support I have accessible to me unlike how I was the last two years.

I am fully committed to making the most of the opportunity to return to Queen’s in Fall 2025 should my request be granted. I truly believe with this academic plan I can regain control of my path and demonstrate academic success. I will approach this Fall semester with a whole new motivation, structure, and resilience.

Documentation