Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Dr. Atkinson,

I am requesting to drop the following courses: DRAM 100 FW20/21, FILM 110 FW20/21, HLTH 101 F20, ENIN 140 F20 and ENIN 240 W21, and as such that requirement to withdraw for one year from the Faculty of Arts and Science at Queen's University to be withdrawn.

I was first diagnosed with a learning disability at the age of 8 years old and prior to commencing high school was reassessed for such learning disability. Throughout elementary and high school, I had an Individual Education Plan in place which helped me to be successful with my school studies. I had planned on undergoing a psychoeducational assessment prior to commencing my studies at Queen's, and to use such assessment for submission to the university as supporting documentation for my request for academic accommodations. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic the psychologist (Dr. William G. Ford), who previously assessed me, had temporarily suspended his practice, and I was unable to obtain such assessment prior to the commencement of the Fall 2020 term. My understanding at the time was that I needed a current psychoeducational assessment in order to request accommodations, and as such I did not request or have accommodations in place for the commencement of the 2020/2021 academic year. Throughout the year I continued to try to schedule an assessment with Dr. Ford but learned in early 2021 that Dr. Ford had retired and permanently closed his practice. I also inquired with other educational psychologists about being assessed, however given the circumstances of the pandemic I was not able to obtain one in a timely manner.

In my first year of university, I had an extremely difficult time organizing myself, primarily due to not having accommodations in place. I quickly became overwhelmed and felt anxious throughout the year, struggling to focus on tasks and complete assignments. I stopped participating entirely as the situation felt hopeless and I was overpowered by stress. The circumstances and isolation relating to the pandemic seemed to compound the issue. I did not contact my professors and asked for help because I felt that, based on my performance, they probably thought I was lazy and uninterested in my studies. I did not ask my family for help because I did not want them to be disappointed in me.

In March 2021 I decided to make a concerted last effort to try and salvage my studies for the year. On March 12, 2021 I sent an email to QSAS explaining my situation and asking for help. I was contacted by Angel Varrette, Intake Coordinator at QSAS, with instructions on what I needed to do to be considered for accommodations. Ms. Varrette was very helpful in assisting me in this matter and on March 24, 2021 I was approved and registered for certain accommodations. On March 25, 2021 I emailed each of my professors the Accommodation Letter, explaining my situation, and requesting their consideration in the matter. I received a response from back from two of my professors (ARTH 120 FW20/21 and HLTH 102 W21) and they both offered options to me, which included extended time to complete assignments or to file a request to drop the course late. For both I opted to complete the course. I did not receive a response from any of the professors of the other courses and believed I had no other options with respect to those courses.

I am committed to working hard in the 2021/2022 school year and I asked that you afford me that opportunity. I believe that academic accommodations are a major part of me being successful at completing my studies at Queen's. I will be contacting QSAS to inquire about registering for academic accommodations for the 2021/2022 year, and I intend to receive individual academic coaching throughout the year to assist me in any areas of my studies where I need assistance. I will self-advocate and reach out to the university and my family whenever I need help. I believe I will be successful at Queens in 2021/2022 given the opportunity.

I thank you for your consideration regarding this matter.

Kind regards,
Ty Di Nardo