Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Dr. Jenn Stephenson,

I am a former Queen??s University student, who studied as part of the Arts and Sciences Faculty from the Fall 2013 term until the Winter 2016 term, at which point I was required to withdraw for three years. I am writing this letter because I would very much like to return to my studies and complete my degree at Queen??s, and I believe that I now have the tools and support systems in place that will allow me to succeed in my program.

During my time at Queen??s, I unfortunately was dealing with severe anxiety, depression and an eating disorder, following a traumatic event which I experienced during my final year of high school. While dealing with my mental health conditions and working over thirty hours a week to put myself through school, I wasn??t able to give my studies the attention I would have liked, and my grades dropped drastically from where they were in high school. While Queen??s Health Services were extremely supportive of me, I unfortunately was not able to get the help that I needed during this time, and eventually at the end of my third year I experienced a mental health crisis that required me to return home, and I was unable to attend any of my final exams or turn in my final projects for the Winter 2016 term.

Since leaving Queen??s, I have had the opportunity to focus on myself, and to find the proper treatment and healing for my mental health conditions. Learning about an autism diagnosis which I had received at the age of two, and had previously not been informed about by my family, has also made a huge difference in my life. I have taken the time to learn the different ways in which my brain works, and the obstacles which my disability causes me to face in society. I have also learned strategies that allow me to succeed with my disability, and am now comfortable with seeking out accommodations when I need them.

Overall, I believe that I am in a much better place in my life than I was in when I left Queen??s, and that I now have the support system, tools, and knowledge I need to succeed as a student. I am very excited at the prospect of returning to Queen??s, and hope that I may be able to do so.

Thank you so much,

Avery Barré 10097185