Petition Letter
Arlo Richardson
301 Stern Rd
Fanny Bay, BC, V0R 1W0
arlogreyrichardson@gmail.com / 21ar130@queensu.ca
250-650-2248
Subject: Appeal for Requirement to Withdraw Due to ADHD and Depression
Dear Associate Dean Academic,
I am writing to appeal the requirement to withdraw from Queen's University for a period of one year due to my academic performance. I have been struggling with ADHD and depression, and I believe that my mental health heavily inhibited my ability to succeed. I strongly believe that with the appropriate support and accommodations, I can overcome these challenges and continue pursuing my education at Queen's University, which will benefit my mental health more than taking a year off.
I want to express my commitment and dedication to my academic journey. Despite the difficulties I have faced, I have always maintained a genuine passion for learning and a strong desire to succeed. In my first year at Queens, I wanted to try and do university on my own, without accommodations, but was unsuccessful.
I have experienced significant setbacks in my academic performance due to the impact of ADHD and depression. ADHD has posed challenges for me in terms of sustaining attention, organizing tasks, and managing my time effectively. The symptoms of ADHD, such as difficulty focusing, impulsivity, and forgetfulness, have made it challenging for me to meet deadlines, complete assignments, and maintain consistent academic progress. Furthermore, my depression has exacerbated these difficulties by affecting my motivation, energy levels, and overall well-being.
I want to emphasize that I have taken proactive steps to address these issues. I have sought professional help and have been working closely with my healthcare providers to manage my ADHD and depression. I am actively engaged in therapy sessions, where I have been developing strategies to enhance my concentration, time management, and organizational skills. Additionally, I have explored medication options under the guidance of my healthcare professionals to optimize my ability to focus and function effectively.
Moreover, I have reached out to Queen's University's Accessibility Services to explore the support and accommodations available to students with ADHD and mental health challenges. I am confident that with the appropriate accommodations, such as extended deadlines, alternative exam arrangements, and access to academic resources, I will be better equipped to demonstrate my true potential and thrive academically.
I understand that academic institutions must maintain high standards and ensure academic integrity. However, I humbly request that my case be reconsidered and that you grant me the opportunity to continue my studies at Queen's University. I am genuinely committed to my academic success and am prepared to take all necessary steps to improve my performance. I assure you that I will approach my studies with renewed focus, dedication, and discipline. I am committed to seeking ongoing support from Queen's University's resources, such as counseling services and study support programs, to ensure my continued progress and success.
Although I strongly believe my depression and ADHD played a large role in my unsatisfactory performance, I do not want to use it as an excuse for my behavior. I want to make sure it is known that I take full responsibility for my actions and the effects they have had on my academic career. More than anything, university is a place for learning, and though this isn't the lesson I expected when I came to queens, it is one that I will definitely learn from and remember for a long while.
I have included supporting documentation from my healthcare providers, which outlines my diagnosis of ADHD and depression, as well as my psych-ed assessment.
I also want to apologize for my tardiness on the deadline of this petition. At the time when I received the email I was hiking with my family in the Rocky Mountains, as you can imagine there isn’t a lot of service up there, nor computers to make a well written letter. I hope you can forgive these circumstances and allow some wiggle room for me to get this done.
Thank you for considering my appeal. I am sincerely grateful for your time and attention to this matter. I remain hopeful that you will recognize my potential and grant me the opportunity to continue my education at Queen's University. I am eager to prove my capabilities and contribute positively to the Queen's community.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any additional information or have any questions.
301 Stern Rd
Fanny Bay, BC, V0R 1W0
arlogreyrichardson@gmail.com / 21ar130@queensu.ca
250-650-2248
Subject: Appeal for Requirement to Withdraw Due to ADHD and Depression
Dear Associate Dean Academic,
I am writing to appeal the requirement to withdraw from Queen's University for a period of one year due to my academic performance. I have been struggling with ADHD and depression, and I believe that my mental health heavily inhibited my ability to succeed. I strongly believe that with the appropriate support and accommodations, I can overcome these challenges and continue pursuing my education at Queen's University, which will benefit my mental health more than taking a year off.
I want to express my commitment and dedication to my academic journey. Despite the difficulties I have faced, I have always maintained a genuine passion for learning and a strong desire to succeed. In my first year at Queens, I wanted to try and do university on my own, without accommodations, but was unsuccessful.
I have experienced significant setbacks in my academic performance due to the impact of ADHD and depression. ADHD has posed challenges for me in terms of sustaining attention, organizing tasks, and managing my time effectively. The symptoms of ADHD, such as difficulty focusing, impulsivity, and forgetfulness, have made it challenging for me to meet deadlines, complete assignments, and maintain consistent academic progress. Furthermore, my depression has exacerbated these difficulties by affecting my motivation, energy levels, and overall well-being.
I want to emphasize that I have taken proactive steps to address these issues. I have sought professional help and have been working closely with my healthcare providers to manage my ADHD and depression. I am actively engaged in therapy sessions, where I have been developing strategies to enhance my concentration, time management, and organizational skills. Additionally, I have explored medication options under the guidance of my healthcare professionals to optimize my ability to focus and function effectively.
Moreover, I have reached out to Queen's University's Accessibility Services to explore the support and accommodations available to students with ADHD and mental health challenges. I am confident that with the appropriate accommodations, such as extended deadlines, alternative exam arrangements, and access to academic resources, I will be better equipped to demonstrate my true potential and thrive academically.
I understand that academic institutions must maintain high standards and ensure academic integrity. However, I humbly request that my case be reconsidered and that you grant me the opportunity to continue my studies at Queen's University. I am genuinely committed to my academic success and am prepared to take all necessary steps to improve my performance. I assure you that I will approach my studies with renewed focus, dedication, and discipline. I am committed to seeking ongoing support from Queen's University's resources, such as counseling services and study support programs, to ensure my continued progress and success.
Although I strongly believe my depression and ADHD played a large role in my unsatisfactory performance, I do not want to use it as an excuse for my behavior. I want to make sure it is known that I take full responsibility for my actions and the effects they have had on my academic career. More than anything, university is a place for learning, and though this isn't the lesson I expected when I came to queens, it is one that I will definitely learn from and remember for a long while.
I have included supporting documentation from my healthcare providers, which outlines my diagnosis of ADHD and depression, as well as my psych-ed assessment.
I also want to apologize for my tardiness on the deadline of this petition. At the time when I received the email I was hiking with my family in the Rocky Mountains, as you can imagine there isn’t a lot of service up there, nor computers to make a well written letter. I hope you can forgive these circumstances and allow some wiggle room for me to get this done.
Thank you for considering my appeal. I am sincerely grateful for your time and attention to this matter. I remain hopeful that you will recognize my potential and grant me the opportunity to continue my education at Queen's University. I am eager to prove my capabilities and contribute positively to the Queen's community.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any additional information or have any questions.

