Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: To Dr. Naaman, the Associate Dean (Academic),


I am writing to request consideration of my extenuating circumstances in relation to my academic standing.

On December 5, 2025, I suffered a severe concussion and was rushed to Kingston Health Sciences Centre (KGH). I have attached documentation confirming my emergency room visit, including my physician's information. Records of the CT scan that was performed are available upon request (they take 30 days to be retrieved and delivered). Additional medical documentation is also available upon request.
Following my diagnosis, I was instructed to follow standard concussion recovery protocols, including avoiding screens, bright lights, and loud environments. Unfortunately, my condition worsened over the following months. I experienced severe migraines, persistent nausea, constant balance issues, and insomnia, at times going more than three days without sleep.

When I returned to residence after winter break, even the normal noise levels in my dorm triggered severe symptoms. Attending classes became increasingly difficult because exposure to classroom lighting and noise often caused nausea and vomiting. As a result, my attendance and ability to participate academically declined significantly.

The prolonged effects of my concussion also had a substantial impact on my mental health. I developed severe depression and experienced a relapse of my eating disorder (Bulimia). The combination of my physical symptoms and declining mental health made it extremely difficult to manage my academic responsibilities.

In March, I sought help through Queen's Student Wellness Services. I have attached documentation of my appointment and the psychiatric evaluation form that was provided to me. While discussing my eating disorder and mental health challenges was extremely difficult, I recognized that I needed support and began reaching out to both healthcare professionals and trusted friends within my residence community.

By early April, my concussion symptoms began to improve, and I made every effort to prepare for my exams. However, by that point, the cumulative impact of missing assessments, reduced attendance, and months of struggling with significant medical and mental health challenges had already severely affected my academic performance.

Since then, I have taken substantial steps to ensure my future success. I have established a support network, found a therapist, and developed strategies to better manage challenges when they arise. I have also enrolled in summer courses as part of my plan to transition from Psychology to Health Studies, with the goal of pursuing a career focused on eating disorder awareness, advocacy, and treatment.
I am currently enrolled in Health 101, IDIS 199 in preparation for health studies, and two additional electives (EMPR 110 and MUSC171) . My current grade in Health 101 is 95%, and I have submitted all assignments on time. My summer academic performance reflects my current abilities and commitment to my education when my health is properly managed.

I respectfully ask the committee to consider that my academic difficulties were not the result of a lack of effort or commitment, but rather the result of a severe concussion, significant mental health challenges, and a relapse of a serious eating disorder. These circumstances affected nearly every aspect of my ability to function academically and physically during the year.

I am now in a much healthier position, have appropriate medical and mental health support in place, and have developed a clear plan for academic success moving forward. I am confident that I can succeed at Queen's University and demonstrate the level of academic performance that reflects my true capabilities