Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Dr. Horton

My name is Derek Schmeler (10056695) and I am emailing you today because I just received an email stating that I would not be allowed back to Queen's for 1 year. I would like to appeal this decision in hopes of being able to further my education at the University which I have grown to love. To give you some background on why I did not do very well this year; I was diagnosed with clinical depression and general anxiety disorder about halfway through first year, brought on by my parents getting divorced and other personal family struggles. This has affected my schooling in the sense that sometimes it is very difficult for me to remain focused or feel comfortable in larger groups of people. This has had a negative effect on my eduction however near the end of second year I felt that I had gotten a good grip on my anxiety and was starting to feel more comfortable with everything. Another reason for me doing poorly in school this year past school year was the financial difficulties that I put myself into. I signed a lease for 15 Aberdeen streetaround Christmas of first year not fully knowing that I had gotten myself into. Rent costed me 641 a month, while only receiving roughly 6,000 from OSAP and about 2,000 of my own money which I had saved myself. When I realized I would not be able to make ends meet from month to month financially, I started to be more concerned with that than school. In order to rectify this situation I would ask that you please lift the 1 year ban of me from your University because of the tools I have put in place to ensure my success in school and in life. I have decided to move home with my mother, providing a much more caring and quiet environment for me to be able to focus on school and not have to worry about rent. I have received medical attention by both Dr. Yu and Dr. Lett for my anxiety and depression and am taking medication. I will also be on campus from 8am until 5pmeach day because my mom will have to drop me off on the way to work.

In order to make my next academic school year my best I am moving back to my parents house to ensure I have a quiet and peaceful work environment. As well when I get back to campus from working I will seek out the help of a councillor to help me cope with any issues I may have during the school.


I hope to be back at school in September with a new mindset and attitude and thank you for any time and consideration given to my appeal.

Thanks

Derek Schmeler


PS if you have any questions or concerns feel free to call me at 432-250-0694.