Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Saturday, Sunday June 11th 2023

Dear Academic Petitions Committee,

My name is Amber Neahr, I am a first year at Queen's University and I am currently enrolled in Bachelor of Arts, majoring in General Arts and Science. I am writing to appeal my courses in semester one. I intend to briefly summarize why my extenuating circumstances prevented me from completing my courses to my personal standard and more importantly the academic standard. Although I have struggled with my eating disorder and anxiety disorders for years now, it only began to affect my academics since coming to University. The summer before leaving for Kingston, I went on Fluoxetine (an anti anxiety medication), to help with my anxiety and allow me to attend classes with a little bit of security. My anxiety was at its peak for many reasons that I can expand on if needed. Despite everything going on, I decided last minute that I would still try and get through my first year. I attended my first week of classes and was following along with the material. However, in my second week I had to leave my Phil 151 class early and rushed, because I felt that I was going to faint. I rushed outside and was able to sit down before I passed out. I had not eaten much the few days before because of my troubles with eating and it had clearly affected my body. This has been an ongoing problem for me and I have fainted a few times before because of this reason, but never at school. School had always been my safe place. School used to allow me an escape from personal and family troubles. This incident was so scary and embarrassing, that after this day I feared leaving my house, let alone attend my classes. I hadn't been to a single other class since the incident because of the constant concern that it would happen again. I didn't open my computer or look at my email for months because of how ashamed I felt. Thankfully, I have come so far since this day and I am just hoping that I can get another chance to perform to my actual standards. I have taken so many steps in order to help with both my mental and physical state. I have been talking to a therapist for months now in order to help with my anxiety and eating disorders. I have talked to counselors at Queens, as well as academic advisors, that have helped me push forward and who have guided me here. I have also talked to my doctor about raising my Fluoxetine dosage, as well as help in terms of what to do medically if this situation happens again. I am preparing to get a note from my family doctor as well as my therapist in order to back my statements. I am so thankful that you have taken the time to read my petition and I hope to hear back from your team soon,

Amber Neahr.