Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: To: The Associate Dean (Studies),

I am appealing to request to drop courses after the last official date for dropping. Further I am appealing to request credit standing.

DEVS 100B (2011 Summer), HIST 125B (2011 Summer), SOCY 122B (2011 Summer), GPHY 102 (2009 Winter), POLS 212 (2009 Winter), POLS 318 (2009 Winter), POLS 353 (2010 Winter), POLS 385 (2010 Winter), POLS 393 (2010 Winter), POLS 382 (2009 Fall), POLS 387 (2009 Fall), POLS 332 (2009 Fall).

I have struggled with undiagnosed ADHD. My ADHD impacted my ability to achieve academically throughout my time at Queen¿¿s University. In the Fall academic calendar year of 2009, I was unable to cope with my circumstances. I had developed serious personal issues, which consumed much of my energy and made it impossible to complete my studies. These extenuating circumstances beyond my control include major depressive episodes, anxiety, and executive function impairment. I struggled without proper supports for these impairments, and as a result my transcript does not reflect my true academic abilities.

In the Fall of 2009, domestic issues with my partner and interpersonal issues related to my housemates came to a breaking point. I lost the support network I had built up in Kingston. These stressors, on top of academics, resulted in a prolonged period of intense psychological challenge. I failed to recognize my situation as major depression. My mental health deteriorated and I became isolated. I was unable to focus on academic pursuits. I did not attend classes, was incapable of completing readings or maintaining good study habits. I was suffering from major depression, anxiety, and essentially no longer functional. I did seek out counseling from Student Health Services. However due to infrequent appointment availability, and my diminished psychological state, I did not receive adequate intervention. I was physically and mentally stagnant. I did briefly take action in an attempt to resolve my housing arrangement. I broke my lease obligations, and moved into a sublet for the upcoming Winter term. At this stage I was no longer the same person as when I first attended Queen¿¿s. By the winter of 2011 my parents decided that I should leave Queen¿¿s and move back home to Vancouver. My circumstances lasted multiple terms at Queen¿¿s. In Vancouver I attended counseling during 2011 but made little progress. I was pressured into taking Queen¿¿s distance studies courses during the Summer of 2011. This attempt was premature, and it was again impossible to complete my studies. In the spring of 2012 I began seeing a psychiatrist. Going forward I made incremental improvements in all areas of my life. I contacted academic advisors in 2015 to discuss the status of my degree. I returned to studies for the 2015 Spring/Summer term; and successfully completed two distance studies courses.

That year I again encountered issues with depression, and functional impairment. My mental health issues had improved but were not yet resolved. Through my family doctor I was placed on waitlist to see a psychiatrist. In Spring 2017 I was accepted to the HOPE Center clinic. I regularly attended cognitive behavioral therapy and have been diagnosed with ADHD. My current circumstances are greatly improved compared to my time at Queen¿¿s. I have struggled with undiagnosed ADHD and the comorbid condition of depression. Presently I have managed the extenuating circumstances which lead to my submitting this appeal. Since successfully completing two distance courses in 2015, my life has taken on a new momentum. I have been a volunteer for the past two years with the Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue. I am a well rounded, proactive, and responsible individual. In writing this appeal I hope to confront a difficult past in an effort to unlock my true potential.

Today I have in place the necessary support network, life experience, medications, and executive functioning skills necessary to succeed. If this appeal is granted my future academic goal is to improve my GPA standing and complete a B.A. with Queen¿¿s University. I will achieve this by taking a lighter course load, registering with student wellness services, utilizing accessibility accommodations, and managing my ADHD. I hope to go on to achieve academic success.

Sincerely,
Patrick Sawtell
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