Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Associate Dean of Studies:
I am appealing to the Faculty of Arts and Science to reinstate my student status after the request to withdraw for a period of three years has been served. I attended Queen¿¿s from 2003-2007, but fell a mere 12.0 credits short of graduating with a BA in Economics. Although I had every good intention to complete my education at that time, as a result of a series of extenuating circumstances, I was unable to complete the final credits necessary to earn my degree. Throughout my four years at Queen¿¿s I was fortunate to have many positive experiences, make life-long friends, and learn numerous lessons of character. I was not able to finish school in 2007, but I need a chance to finish what I started and earn my degree.
Starting in second year, I endured a number of tragic events that would have a profound effect on my immediate future. From the time period between second and third year, I had three close friends pass away suddenly in three separate accidents. Following that, issues in my personal life consumed my thoughts and, although I didn¿¿t realize it at the time, I was suffering from depression. It escalated to the point that I could no longer concentrate on my work, I lost the ability to focus, and I became disengaged from everyday life. I went to my family doctor and was referred to a specialist who prescribed Ritalin, with the intention that it would increase my level of focus and aid my ability to concentrate and complete tasks. Although it was prescribed with the best intentions, in retrospect, it turned out to be an incorrect diagnosis which would negatively affect my learning ability. In the short term, it seemed to work and helped my concentration; however, as I continued to take the medication over a longer period of time, it manifested into an overwhelming sense of anxiety and nervousness. These feelings grew to the point of severe panic attacks, making it impossible to recall information during examinations. Although I know the material and felt confident, when it came time to write the exams, I could not even put pen to paper. This feeling continued into fourth year when I was retaking the courses, but I was at an additional disadvantage as I had injured my hip, which required surgery, and was not very mobile. During final exams in fourth year I froze again during the final exams to the point I just wrote my name on the paper and could not complete anything else, crippled by anxiety. After exams had finished that year I knew I could no longer take the medication. I had been accepted to study for the summer at the Bader International Study Centre, so I decided to leave the medication at home before I went to the Castle. During my time there, I felt much better and received excellent grades.
As a result of my exam failures, I was unable to graduate with my degree in Economics. I was required to withdraw from studies for three years, which was the correct decision. At that point, even if I was not formally required to withdraw, I would have done it on my own accord because I knew I could not continue at that time. I needed to concentrate on making myself healthy again, or the outcome would have been no different. I visited my family doctor and we set a new plan in place with new medication, access to a clinical psychologist, and a change in lifestyle. I am very happy to say that I have been successful at achieving a balance in my life where I am no longer on any form of medication and no longer go to the psychologist. I have a much different approach to life now at 29 years old than I did when I was 20. I am married, own a house, have a successful career and am starting a family. I am also currently coaching hockey professionally in the BCHL with the Surrey Eagles. I love the challenges that present themselves to me in this leadership role and have been very successful as a mentor and coach for young student athletes.
Academically, from this point moving forward, I would love the opportunity to earn my degree and finish what I started. Although it would come a few years after I expected, a degree from Queen¿¿s University would be the accomplishment of a lifetime. I have outlined an academic plan below and believe this option give me the greatest chance for success. I remember the day I was accepted to Queen¿¿s as one of the happiest days of my life. Even though I have taken the road less traveled, I have learned many life lessons and I am a stronger person for the time I spent in Kingston. I am an intelligent and capable person that needs a second chance. It was a privilege to spend four years studying at the University and it would be an honour to be a Queen¿¿s graduate.

Sincerely,

Craig Thomas