Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Arts & Science Associate Dean,



My name is Michael Patenaude, a second year student currently pursuing a major in Geography in the Faculty of Arts & Science. On October 16th, 2014, I scheduled an appointment to meet with Academic Advisor Cindy Butts, to discuss my future at Queen¿¿s University. Though our meeting was brief, it was highly enlightening due to her helpful nature and deep understanding of my situation. Given the nature of the available information, as well as my current disposition, Ms. Butts has recommended that I submit this appeal to have my first year courses (COGS100, GPHY102, and ENSC201) be retroactively dropped from the Fall/Winter 2013-14 year. This must also accompany a late withdrawal (i.e. stop-out) from the current Fall semester of the 2014-15 year with the goal of returning to my academic pursuit this coming Winter semester, January 2015.
Over the course of my first year at Queen¿¿s, I suffered with undiagnosed depression which directly impacted and influenced my passionate desire for academic success. In recent years I have been experiencing overwhelming discomfort and emotional pain brought on by destructive habits, family loss, and personal disappointment. The truth is, despite the help from my friends and family over the past years, I have only sought professional assistance in recent weeks. This is a difficult topic to discuss, since it puts me in a vulnerable position where I would rather no one know about this issue. However, I have come to the realization that I must be as proactive as possible to become well and take the necessary steps to regain a positive frame of mind towards my studies. My academic performance has suffered greatly during these long months resulting in having failed three courses. Unfortunately, being new to the university experience, in addition to being personally conflicted, I was unaware and incapable of seeking out the proper help, including this appeal process.
Temporary personal leave will allow me to soar once again and return to Queen¿¿s with a new focus and appreciation for my academic and personal success. Admittedly, my work has been neglected due to this situation, and I realize now the importance of having balance in my life. I wish to stop-out this semester in order to focus on my health and seek out professional assistance to help me find a new path in life.
In the week following my initial meeting with Ms. Butts, my oldest brother stayed with me on campus in order to help me create a plan for success. We discovered Counseling and Development assistance in the Lasalle Building on University Street, where I set up my first appointment the following Tuesday. I will be speaking to my counselor one or more times a week for the remainder of my time here at Queen¿¿s. I would like to express to you how I am taking this matter very seriously and hope for your understanding with regards to dropping the three final failed results from my first year. I assure you that I am capable of so much more, and I would like a chance to prove it.¿
Words cannot adequately express my appreciation for a second chance. I have taken steps to become a more involved and dedicated student, in addition to resolving my personal issues. I have visited student resource seminars to seek academic assistance, and have scheduled appointments with a student mental health professional; and this is just the beginning.

Please accept this as my most sincere plea for your assistance in regaining the passion that I know I have for academia.¿ ¿


Sincerely,




Michael Patenaude
ID: 10092397