Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: January 6, 2023
Dr. Stephenson, Associate Dean (Academic)
Queen??s University
Faculty of Arts and Science
94 University Ave, Dunning Hall ?? First Floor
Kingston, ON K7L 3N6


I would like to formally request to waive the drop deadline for the courses in the Fall Semester 2022 (EMPR 210, ENIN 200, HLTH 230, MUSC 171, POLS 110A) and one course from Winter Semester 2022 (BIOL 111). Since starting at Queen??s University I have been struggling with my academics. I??ve had difficulty focusing on tasks and sustaining my attention which has been very frustrating, particularly when it came to remote learning. I have been unable to complete assignments, focus on studying and attend classes as I became more discouraged with my results.

My challenges became significant enough that I sought medical attention, and after some delays I was referred to a psychologist. I voluntarily withdrew from school in the Fall Semester 2021. Subsequently in February of 2022 I was diagnosed with a Major Depressive Disorder. The following August of 2022 I was also later tested for and diagnosed with a Learning Disability, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). I have enclosed supporting documentation from the psychologist. These two diagnoses helped to explain why I have been struggling so much at school, particularly in the Winter Semester (2022) and most recently in the Fall Semester (2022) as my treatment had not been completely effective and I have missed the drop dates.

Anticipating that I may experience difficulty returning to school, I entered the last semester with an updated game plan and strategies to help myself succeed at the level I believe myself to be capable of. Part of my plan for success was to seek help from the Queens Student Wellness Services to find guidance for medication. However I encountered many difficulties in seeing a doctor and was unable to get a consultation until October 7, which was already a month into school. This appointment was then rescheduled at the last minute for a month later to November 4. I was given trial medication which I did not find to be all that helpful and I was unable to get another appointment with the doctor which left me feeling very discouraged.

Throughout the semester I found my workload overwhelming me, I constantly missed deadlines and I began to feel unable to complete the simplest of tasks. Not seeing a doctor was very disappointing and I began to constantly feel overwhelmed and disorganized and fell again into a depressive state. These medical and mental health issues prevented me from properly focusing on my courses as I had a loss of interest in activities and school work, difficulty with concentration, memory and decision making. The simplest of tasks such as getting out of bed in the morning, ensuring that I would eat meals, or even reminding myself to brush my teeth became the most daunting tasks. I was not able to find the energy or motivation to go to class or to even ask for help when falling behind on assignments, let alone ask for help to try and solve any of the problems of how emotionally down I was feeling.

I believe that with the right support I will be successful in my studies at Queen??s University. To that end I have recently registered my disability with Queen??s Student Accessibility Services so that I will have the proper accommodations in place, and will be working with QSAS resources and a Learning Strategist so that I can develop the strategies and tools I need to successfully complete my degree, in addition to maintaining the ongoing mental health treatments and medication.

I am petitioning to have my five courses from the Fall Semester of 2022 be removed from my transcript, this includes; EMPR 210, ENIN 200, HLTH 230, MUSC 171, POLS 110A, as well as BIOL 111 from the 2022 Winter Semester. Having these courses removed would give me a chance to correct my GPA and continue my studies at Queen??s University which is where I want to stay.

I appreciate your consideration in this matter, and happy to answer any questions you may have.
Sincerely,

Justin Inwood
Queens Student Number
321 Apple Blossom Dr
Thornhill ON
L4J 8W6