Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Leo Seguin
Student ID:20471612
Program/Plan: BA, Faculty of Arts and Science, Major in Film.
Email: 23sfj1@queensu.ca
Date: January 21, 2026
Dear Members of the Petitions Committee and Associate Dean,

I am writing to request approval to add FILM 340 for the Winter 2026 term after the course-add deadline. I missed the deadline due to extenuating mental health circumstances beyond my control that significantly impaired my ability to manage basic academic responsibilities, including registration and course planning.
Beginning around midterm last semester, I experienced a severe depressive episode that caused a marked decline in my functioning. During this period, I struggled with concentration, motivation, sleep, and day-to-day tasks. This forced me to defer my exams in order to get help. The mental health decline has only worsened into this semester, the impact of which was immediate and serious: I became unable to keep up with my academic workload and, in a state of distress, I dropped most of my courses because I did not feel capable of continuing. In the same timeframe, I also missed important administrative tasks, including monitoring deadlines, completing the steps required to add courses, and communicating effectively with academic supports.
These circumstances directly explain why I did not add FILM 340 on time. My symptoms affected my ability to make decisions, complete routine online tasks, and follow through on planning. This was not a matter of poor organization or lack of effort; it was a period where my mental health substantially disrupted my judgment and capacity to function academically.
Since then, I have taken steps to address the situation. I have met with and scheduled appointments with health-care professionals and counsellors and begun working on a plan to manage my mental health and academic responsibilities moving forward. I am also connecting with Student Wellness Services and academic advising to ensure I have appropriate supports. My supporting documentation outlines the nature and timing of the circumstances and confirms that they had a direct impact on my academic functioning.
I am requesting to add FILM 340 because it is important for maintaining an appropriate course load and continuing progress toward my degree, and it is a manageable course choice for me at this time while I continue treatment.
If the petition is granted, I will immediately contact the instructor and the department to confirm that I can successfully integrate into the course at this point in the term and complete any required work. I understand that adding late is an exception, and I am prepared to take responsibility for catching up quickly and meeting all remaining deadlines.
Thank you for considering my petition and the documentation provided. This request is directly linked to a temporary but serious mental health disruption that affected my academic performance and ability to meet deadlines. I am committed to continuing my studies with the proper supports in place, and I would greatly appreciate approval to add FILM 340 for Winter 2026.
Sincerely,
Leo Seguin
Student ID: 20471612