Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: To the Associate Dean (Studies),

My name is Matthew Chiang (student number: 06295693), and I am writing to appeal the requirement that I must withdraw from my studies at Queen's for a minimum of three years.

The extenuating circumstance which has prevented my academic achievement during my time at Queen's is medical and psychological in nature. Until very recently I have been undiagnosed for a psychological disorder that has severely impacted my ability to perform academically despite having a thorough interest in my field of study, Computing, as well as a full capability to comprehend course content. As described in the supporting document, it's onset has been life-long and will remain chronic. Because my struggles with it's symptoms have been present through the entirety of my life, the possibility of having an underlying psychological disorder did not occur to me until my friends and family suggested I speak to a doctor. Upon my diagnosis in March of 2014, it became very clear to me that the symptoms I had been experiencing directly and seriously impacted my academic performance.

At this point I'd like to address specific symptoms and explain their effects my abilities. The symptom of extreme distractivity made writing tests and exams extremely challenging. The slightest visual or auditory distraction would disrupt my thoughts, causing me to overlook small details (such as a number's signage). This made very involved questions very hard for me to complete in the given time limits. Also, sustaining a focused mental effort directed to my task at hand proved to be incredibly difficult, causing me to underestimate the time required to complete tasks and struggle to meet deadlines.

One's tendency to zone out and have trouble retaining information immediately given to them is also a symptom of my diagnosis. I would miss important details given by my professors during lectures and have trouble keeping up with the pace at which information was delivered. Despite my consistent attendance, lectures were not very effective in helping me learn.

I also can not overstate the emotional difficulties that spawned from the compound of my prior mentioned symptoms. My gross sense of underachievement (certainly not limited to my academics) was a source of much frustration and shame. Attempts to address my weaknesses without consultation of psychological and medical professionals yielded insignificant results. In turn, persevering through my consistent poor academic performance knowing I was capable of much higher results was very challenging.

Upon my diagnosis in March of 2014, I had the realization that my challenges could be effectively neutralized with the help of psychological and medical professionals. I immediately made efforts to address my disorder from a medical perspective, and quickly saw results. Since then, I have been taking medication to help manage my symptoms and been working closely with Queen's RARC (Regional Assessment and Resource Center) to better understand my disorder and develop lifestyle tactics that will help me cope. Evidence of the instant positive impact in my life is apparent. In CISC235, a class I was enrolled in during winter 2014, students were given the option of a 100 percent weighted final exam in the case that their term marks were poor. With the positive effects of my medication and consultation in place, I was able to receive an A final grade in CISC235; a much higher standing than any course I'd been enrolled in until that point. I believe this also demonstrates the fact that my poor academic performance is not due to any inability to comprehend and execute course content, but rather due to not acquiring the proper help to address my problems.

I would not be writing this appeal if I did not have absolute confidence that I am now in a position to achieve my potential at Queen's. As I've mentioned earlier, I have a deep interest in computer science and would hugely appreciate the opportunity to continue my academic pursuits. The help I've received to tackle this challenge has made serious positive impacts in my life thus far, but I will continue to work with Queen's RARC to further develop my coping strategies. I am currently having further psychometric testing done with Queen's RARC to see if my functional limitations warrant any sort of accommodation moving forward. Should the requirement of my withdrawal be waived, I would want to return to Queen's in fall 2014 as a full time student to complete my computing degree.

If any more information or clarifications are needed, please don't hesitate to contact me.

Thank you for your consideration,


Matthew Chiang
06295693