Manage Appeals
Petition Type: New
ID: 14494
Submitted: June 16, 2026 at 12:01:50 AM
First Name: jacques
Last Name: tessier
Pronoun: he/him
Student Number: 20470382
Email: 23xws@queensu.ca
Degree Program: bsh
Plan: kine
Level of Study: 2
Petition Categories
Petition Categories: Waive the requirement to withdraw for one year
Petition Letter
Petition Letter: Dear Petitions Committee,
I am writing to respectfully petition for an exemption from the Required to Withdraw period and request the opportunity to continue my studies.
The reason I would like to be exempt is that I experienced a severe psychological challenge that had a significant and direct impact on my academic performance. During the year I was really struggling with persistent feelings of hopelessness, inability to concentrate(partially due to my adhd), overwhelming fatigue, and a complete loss of motivation. I almost never did anything when I got out of bed past 6pm. I frequently had suicidal thoughts it was extremely difficult to function normally or meet the academic expectations of my courses.
These circumstances affected every aspect of my studies. I didn't have the strength to attend classes consistently and especially prepare for exams, and retain information while studying. My academic performance declined substantially and no longer reflected my abilities or my genuine commitment to my education.
I couldnt recognize the severity of what I was experiencing and refused to seek help. I understand that i made serious mistakes. I am committed to doing better at queens and seeking appropriate support, and taking the necessary steps to ensure that I can succeed academically moving forward.
I respectfully ask the Committee to consider my circumstances and the impact they had on my academic performance when reviewing my petition. I promise to remain committed to my education and I will do significantly better than I did last year and achieve a gpa worthy of attending queens University. I love this school and want to truly be apart of it.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
I am writing to respectfully petition for an exemption from the Required to Withdraw period and request the opportunity to continue my studies.
The reason I would like to be exempt is that I experienced a severe psychological challenge that had a significant and direct impact on my academic performance. During the year I was really struggling with persistent feelings of hopelessness, inability to concentrate(partially due to my adhd), overwhelming fatigue, and a complete loss of motivation. I almost never did anything when I got out of bed past 6pm. I frequently had suicidal thoughts it was extremely difficult to function normally or meet the academic expectations of my courses.
These circumstances affected every aspect of my studies. I didn't have the strength to attend classes consistently and especially prepare for exams, and retain information while studying. My academic performance declined substantially and no longer reflected my abilities or my genuine commitment to my education.
I couldnt recognize the severity of what I was experiencing and refused to seek help. I understand that i made serious mistakes. I am committed to doing better at queens and seeking appropriate support, and taking the necessary steps to ensure that I can succeed academically moving forward.
I respectfully ask the Committee to consider my circumstances and the impact they had on my academic performance when reviewing my petition. I promise to remain committed to my education and I will do significantly better than I did last year and achieve a gpa worthy of attending queens University. I love this school and want to truly be apart of it.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Academic Plan
Academic Plan: If my petition is granted, I have a clear plan to improve both my mental health and my academic performance.
My first step will be to address my mental health and seek ongoing support from a healthcare professional and make use of counselling and mental health resources available through the university or in my community. Instead of trying to manage this on my own which didnt work previously, I will actively seek help from the queensu mental health services if my symptoms begin to worsen.
Academic wise ill create and follow a structured weekly schedule with designated study hours for each course and keep track of all assignments, quizzes, and exams using a calendar and task management system, ill also start assignments several days before their deadlines instead of procrastinating until the last minute and will review course material each week rather than relying on cramming before exams.
Ill also meet with my academic advisor to develop a better more realistic plan and will continue to check in throughout the term if I begin struggling. I will regularly attend lectures and tutorials, make use of professors' office hours when I do not understand material, and seek tutoring or academic support services when needed.
I understand the seriousness of my previous academic performance and take full responsibility for making these changes. I promise i am committed to following this plan and believe these concrete steps will allow me to successfully continue my studies and achieve my long-term academic goals.
My first step will be to address my mental health and seek ongoing support from a healthcare professional and make use of counselling and mental health resources available through the university or in my community. Instead of trying to manage this on my own which didnt work previously, I will actively seek help from the queensu mental health services if my symptoms begin to worsen.
Academic wise ill create and follow a structured weekly schedule with designated study hours for each course and keep track of all assignments, quizzes, and exams using a calendar and task management system, ill also start assignments several days before their deadlines instead of procrastinating until the last minute and will review course material each week rather than relying on cramming before exams.
Ill also meet with my academic advisor to develop a better more realistic plan and will continue to check in throughout the term if I begin struggling. I will regularly attend lectures and tutorials, make use of professors' office hours when I do not understand material, and seek tutoring or academic support services when needed.
I understand the seriousness of my previous academic performance and take full responsibility for making these changes. I promise i am committed to following this plan and believe these concrete steps will allow me to successfully continue my studies and achieve my long-term academic goals.
Documentation
Professional Letter Detail: no doc
Decision Letters
Level 1 Status
Status: DeniedLevel 2
Appeal Type: Level 2
ID: 378
Submitted: July 17, 2026 at 11:46:57 PM
Relevant Petition: 14494
Decision(s) Being Appealed: Waive the requirement to withdraw for one year
Appeal Grounds
Appeals to the Board of Studies must include a letter based on one or more of the Grounds for Appeal (Appeal Regulation 3.4). What are the grounds you are basing your appeal on?
- The Associate Dean's decision did not follow the rules of procedural fairness. A breach of procedural fairness includes such things as the Associate Dean failed to:
- Make a reasonable decision in your appeal. A “reasonable” decision is one that is based on evidence, thought out and supported by facts and logical inferences from the facts. To be reasonable, the decision must contain adequate reasons for the conclusions.
Appeal Grounds Details: I am appealing on the ground that the decision should be reconsidered because there is significant new information that was not available when my original petition was decided.
I understand the Associate Dean based their decision on the documentation available at the time and concluded that it did not sufficiently demonstrate the impact of my circumstances or that they were being effectively managed. but since the decision was based on the evidence available at the time. I respectfully ask that it be reconsidered in light of significant new information that directly addresses the concerns identified in the decision.
I am currently enrolled in around 15.0 units of Summer Term courses(4 courses specifically) and respectfully request that the Board consider my performance in those courses before making a final decision. My academic performance during the summer term will attempt provide objective evidence of my current ability to meet the academic standards of the Faculty and demonstrate the effectiveness of the changes I have made to my study habits, daily routines, and overall approach to my education. In addition, I am beginning and attempting to engage further in therapy and am pursuing further mental health support. I will also be submitting any additional supporting documentation when it becomes available to provide further context regarding my circumstances and the steps I have taken to ensure they are being effectively managed.
I respectfully submit that this new information addresses the primary concerns identified in the deans original decision and provides a more complete picture of my current ability to succeed academically. For these reasons, I ask that the decision be reconsidered in light of the additional evidence that will be available as part of this appeal.
I understand the Associate Dean based their decision on the documentation available at the time and concluded that it did not sufficiently demonstrate the impact of my circumstances or that they were being effectively managed. but since the decision was based on the evidence available at the time. I respectfully ask that it be reconsidered in light of significant new information that directly addresses the concerns identified in the decision.
I am currently enrolled in around 15.0 units of Summer Term courses(4 courses specifically) and respectfully request that the Board consider my performance in those courses before making a final decision. My academic performance during the summer term will attempt provide objective evidence of my current ability to meet the academic standards of the Faculty and demonstrate the effectiveness of the changes I have made to my study habits, daily routines, and overall approach to my education. In addition, I am beginning and attempting to engage further in therapy and am pursuing further mental health support. I will also be submitting any additional supporting documentation when it becomes available to provide further context regarding my circumstances and the steps I have taken to ensure they are being effectively managed.
I respectfully submit that this new information addresses the primary concerns identified in the deans original decision and provides a more complete picture of my current ability to succeed academically. For these reasons, I ask that the decision be reconsidered in light of the additional evidence that will be available as part of this appeal.
Appeal Letter
Appeal Letter: Jacques Tessier (20470382)
07-15-2026
Letter of Appeal
Dear Members of the Board of Studies,
I am writing to respectfully appeal the decision of denying my submitted petition to waive the faculty ruling requiring me to withdraw from my studies for one year. I understand the Associate Dean’s decision about my petition and why it was denied because the documentation I submitted (my friend’s letter about my mental health during the year) did not sufficiently establish that unexpected extenuating circumstances directly affected my academic performance or prevented me from withdrawing from my Fall 2025 and Winter 2026 courses before the applicable deadlines. The decision also stated that the information provided did not demonstrate that my circumstances had been resolved or were being effectively managed so that they would not continue to affect my future academic performance.
I respectfully ask that my case be reconsidered in light of new evidence and proof of my improving wellbeing and mental state regarding my current academic performance and the steps I am taking to address the concerns identified in the decision, currently enrolled in 15.0 units, consisting of four Summer Term courses following my academic plan i submitted though admittedly I should have made it more nuanced and more specific. I have been working to correct the habits and patterns that contributed to my previous academic difficulties by following a more consistent schedule, completing work on time, improving my study habits, and taking greater responsibility for my academic decisions. I respectfully request that my appeal be held until my Summer Term grades are released and that those grades be considered as part of the review. My performance in a full Summer Term course load will provide objective evidence of whether I am currently able to meet the Faculty’s academic expectations and sustain the changes I have made.
I also understand the concern that my original petition did not sufficiently demonstrate that the personal and health-related difficulties affecting me were being effectively managed. I am continuing to engage with therapy and am pursuing additional mental-health support, including psychiatric care. I am taking these steps not only for the purposes of this appeal, but because I recognize that continuing my education successfully requires me to address the circumstances that contributed to my academic and state of livings decline.
Where available, I will submit additional supporting documentation (therapists letter I apologize for not having it immediately available its difficult for me to afford therapy) that provides relevant context regarding my circumstances, my engagement with support, and my current management plan.
During the 2025–2026 academic year, my difficulties (mental state and lack of motivation) affected my ability to function consistently, complete academic work, and make appropriate decisions about my courses. I felt and was overwhelmed I did not attempt to seek help at the time and i sorely regret that decision and have attempted and succeeded(I believe) to do so in the last many months and did not respond to my declining performance by seeking help or withdrawing before the deadlines. I understand that this doesnt remove my responsibility for my academic record. but I respectfully submit that it should explain why I failed to take the steps that, in hindsight, I should have taken.
I now understand the importance of contacting academic advisors as well as seeking academic consideration when appropriate, and asking others for help and addressing my mental health issues before they become unmanageable.
I acknowledge that my previous academic performance did not meet the standards required by the Faculty, and I take responsibility for the decisions and habits that contributed to that outcome. My appeal is not an attempt to avoid accountability.
I am asking the Board to consider whether my Summer Term performance, continued engagement with support, and concrete changes to my academic approach demonstrate that a mandatory year away is no longer necessary for me to address the concerns underlying the Required to Withdraw decision. Queen’s University remains where I hope to complete my degree. I am committed to using the supports available to me, maintaining the changes I have made, and meeting the Faculty’s academic requirements moving forward. I respectfully ask that the decision be reconsidered after my Summer Term grades and any additional supporting documentation are available. I truly love Queens University and all it has to offer I sincerely hope to continue my studies and pursue my dreams. Thank you for your time and consideration.
From the bottom of my heart,
Jacques Tessier
07-15-2026
Letter of Appeal
Dear Members of the Board of Studies,
I am writing to respectfully appeal the decision of denying my submitted petition to waive the faculty ruling requiring me to withdraw from my studies for one year. I understand the Associate Dean’s decision about my petition and why it was denied because the documentation I submitted (my friend’s letter about my mental health during the year) did not sufficiently establish that unexpected extenuating circumstances directly affected my academic performance or prevented me from withdrawing from my Fall 2025 and Winter 2026 courses before the applicable deadlines. The decision also stated that the information provided did not demonstrate that my circumstances had been resolved or were being effectively managed so that they would not continue to affect my future academic performance.
I respectfully ask that my case be reconsidered in light of new evidence and proof of my improving wellbeing and mental state regarding my current academic performance and the steps I am taking to address the concerns identified in the decision, currently enrolled in 15.0 units, consisting of four Summer Term courses following my academic plan i submitted though admittedly I should have made it more nuanced and more specific. I have been working to correct the habits and patterns that contributed to my previous academic difficulties by following a more consistent schedule, completing work on time, improving my study habits, and taking greater responsibility for my academic decisions. I respectfully request that my appeal be held until my Summer Term grades are released and that those grades be considered as part of the review. My performance in a full Summer Term course load will provide objective evidence of whether I am currently able to meet the Faculty’s academic expectations and sustain the changes I have made.
I also understand the concern that my original petition did not sufficiently demonstrate that the personal and health-related difficulties affecting me were being effectively managed. I am continuing to engage with therapy and am pursuing additional mental-health support, including psychiatric care. I am taking these steps not only for the purposes of this appeal, but because I recognize that continuing my education successfully requires me to address the circumstances that contributed to my academic and state of livings decline.
Where available, I will submit additional supporting documentation (therapists letter I apologize for not having it immediately available its difficult for me to afford therapy) that provides relevant context regarding my circumstances, my engagement with support, and my current management plan.
During the 2025–2026 academic year, my difficulties (mental state and lack of motivation) affected my ability to function consistently, complete academic work, and make appropriate decisions about my courses. I felt and was overwhelmed I did not attempt to seek help at the time and i sorely regret that decision and have attempted and succeeded(I believe) to do so in the last many months and did not respond to my declining performance by seeking help or withdrawing before the deadlines. I understand that this doesnt remove my responsibility for my academic record. but I respectfully submit that it should explain why I failed to take the steps that, in hindsight, I should have taken.
I now understand the importance of contacting academic advisors as well as seeking academic consideration when appropriate, and asking others for help and addressing my mental health issues before they become unmanageable.
I acknowledge that my previous academic performance did not meet the standards required by the Faculty, and I take responsibility for the decisions and habits that contributed to that outcome. My appeal is not an attempt to avoid accountability.
I am asking the Board to consider whether my Summer Term performance, continued engagement with support, and concrete changes to my academic approach demonstrate that a mandatory year away is no longer necessary for me to address the concerns underlying the Required to Withdraw decision. Queen’s University remains where I hope to complete my degree. I am committed to using the supports available to me, maintaining the changes I have made, and meeting the Faculty’s academic requirements moving forward. I respectfully ask that the decision be reconsidered after my Summer Term grades and any additional supporting documentation are available. I truly love Queens University and all it has to offer I sincerely hope to continue my studies and pursue my dreams. Thank you for your time and consideration.
From the bottom of my heart,
Jacques Tessier
Documentation
I plan to submit additional documentation at a later date: expect to receive summer term grades as well as letter from my therapist
History
Originally submitted June 16, 2026 at 12:01:50 AM.
| Field | Reference | Old Value | New Value | Note | User | Date/Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| status | N/A | Received | Incomplete | Kerri Andrews | 2026-06-17 1:10:20 PM | |
| status | N/A | Incomplete | In Review | Kerri Andrews | 2026-06-27 6:39:41 PM | |
| status | N/A | In Review | Denied | Kerri Andrews | 2026-07-03 2:52:30 PM | |
| associate_dean | N/A | Dorit Naaman (Associate Dean Academic) | Kerri Andrews | 2026-07-03 2:52:30 PM | ||
| decision_letter | N/A | N/A | Decision letter sent | Kerri Andrews | 2026-07-03 2:53:26 PM | |
| new_appeal_level_2 | N/A | Level 2 | Level 2 Appeal ID: 378 | 23xws | 2026-07-17 11:46:57 PM | |
| status | N/A | Received | In Review | Kathrine Scott | 2026-07-31 2:01:51 PM |