Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Hello,

I am appealing to have courses withdrawn on the grounds of psychological challenges I have faced this year.

Following numerous mental health crises I've experienced this semester, I've been seriously reconsidering my education at Queen's altogether. The decision I've made, after long deliberation, is that I will be leaving Queen's. I am continuing with a plan I made last year to transfer to Ryerson University for fall 2018, with the caveat that I will go live and work in Toronto next year regardless of whether or not I am accepted into Ryerson (and possibly figure out a new academic path).

These crises led to two separate hospitalizations in the span of one week, the first of which saw me remain in the mental health ward of Kingston General for three days (the second time was for only one night). These occurred in mid-October, right around my mid-terms. Following the first hospitalization, I dropped two courses in an effort to reduce my workload and overall stress in life.

In November, following the advice of QSAS, I formally registered as a student with a long-term disability. Although this provided me with several more options and avenues for academic success; I found myself deeply discouraged at the prospect of having to stay in Kingston/Queens' for another 3+ years. In spite of my efforts and use of the extensive resources here, I do not feel I will be able to succeed here. My ability to succeed academically is drastically reduced when I feel as though I have little to look forward to about continuing my education here.

I made the decision to withdraw from Queen's in early November, though I have not been able to afford the fee associated with an appeal.