Petition Letter
June 13, 2024
Dr. Jenn Stephenson
Associate Dean (Academic)
Queen’s University
Dear Dr. Stephenson,
In response to the letter of May 24, 2024 requiring me to withdraw from studies for one year, I am
petitioning to waive the requirement to withdraw for one year. I am also petitioning to late drop the
drop the following courses: ENGL200 (Fall/Winter 2023/24); ENGL234 (Winter 2024); ENGL297 (Winter
2024); ENGL237 (Fall 2023); ENGL277 (Fall 2023); HIST219 (Winter 2024).
After my first year, I found that English literature was where I wanted to focus my studies. I had an
academic accommodation plan in place to address my ADHD and thought I was adequately prepared.
What I had not prepared for was the impact of experiencing depression as well as ADHD.
In retrospect, I can see that things began to build up towards the second half of year 2. My first term
was relatively successful; however, during the second term, I began to feel overwhelmed. I attributed
it, at the time to my ADHD. I also feel that the severe limitations imposed by Covid on my Grade 11 and
12 high school years did not allow me to prepare sufficiently for university study. In those two critical
years of high school, we did not have the normal experiences of attending classes, developing time
management skills, managing multiple assignments or studying for and writing exams. For me, these
skills were developed only once I came to Queen’s.
At the end of year 2, I felt that the full course load was probably the issue and that I would be able to
manage everything if I just reduced my course load for year 3. Again, in retrospect, it was early into the
first term of year 3 where I began to experience depression. Combined with my ADHD, this significantly
impacted my ability to attend class regularly, complete assignments and write tests and exams. It also
impacted my ability to understand what was happening to me and consequently, my ability to reach out
for support and assistance. It is for that reason that I did not drop the courses earlier. I felt
overwhelmed by all the things I wasn’t able to complete as well as shame at having failed. I couldn’t
recognize that I should have been dropping courses earlier and that I could reach out for help without
being judged. When I finally did reach out for assistance, I found everyone at Student Wellness and
Academic Advising empathetic, understanding and extremely helpful. I have attached a letter from
Student Wellness Services in support of my petition.
I still want to pursue my studies, but I realize, with the help and support I have been getting, that my
plans, timelines and strategies will have to change to ensure I am successful in the future. I have
outlined my Academic Plan which is attached to this submission.
I hope this has provided you with sufficient information to support my petition. Please let me know if
you require any additional information.
Sincerely,
Ella Marks
ST#20294249
Dr. Jenn Stephenson
Associate Dean (Academic)
Queen’s University
Dear Dr. Stephenson,
In response to the letter of May 24, 2024 requiring me to withdraw from studies for one year, I am
petitioning to waive the requirement to withdraw for one year. I am also petitioning to late drop the
drop the following courses: ENGL200 (Fall/Winter 2023/24); ENGL234 (Winter 2024); ENGL297 (Winter
2024); ENGL237 (Fall 2023); ENGL277 (Fall 2023); HIST219 (Winter 2024).
After my first year, I found that English literature was where I wanted to focus my studies. I had an
academic accommodation plan in place to address my ADHD and thought I was adequately prepared.
What I had not prepared for was the impact of experiencing depression as well as ADHD.
In retrospect, I can see that things began to build up towards the second half of year 2. My first term
was relatively successful; however, during the second term, I began to feel overwhelmed. I attributed
it, at the time to my ADHD. I also feel that the severe limitations imposed by Covid on my Grade 11 and
12 high school years did not allow me to prepare sufficiently for university study. In those two critical
years of high school, we did not have the normal experiences of attending classes, developing time
management skills, managing multiple assignments or studying for and writing exams. For me, these
skills were developed only once I came to Queen’s.
At the end of year 2, I felt that the full course load was probably the issue and that I would be able to
manage everything if I just reduced my course load for year 3. Again, in retrospect, it was early into the
first term of year 3 where I began to experience depression. Combined with my ADHD, this significantly
impacted my ability to attend class regularly, complete assignments and write tests and exams. It also
impacted my ability to understand what was happening to me and consequently, my ability to reach out
for support and assistance. It is for that reason that I did not drop the courses earlier. I felt
overwhelmed by all the things I wasn’t able to complete as well as shame at having failed. I couldn’t
recognize that I should have been dropping courses earlier and that I could reach out for help without
being judged. When I finally did reach out for assistance, I found everyone at Student Wellness and
Academic Advising empathetic, understanding and extremely helpful. I have attached a letter from
Student Wellness Services in support of my petition.
I still want to pursue my studies, but I realize, with the help and support I have been getting, that my
plans, timelines and strategies will have to change to ensure I am successful in the future. I have
outlined my Academic Plan which is attached to this submission.
I hope this has provided you with sufficient information to support my petition. Please let me know if
you require any additional information.
Sincerely,
Ella Marks
ST#20294249