Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Request for Petition
Dear Jenn Stephenson (Associate Dean):

I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to formally request a petition regarding the recent decision made by the Faculty of Arts and Science at Queens University. The decision states that I must withdraw from Queen’s University for a minimum period of one year.

I am petitioning the faculty’s decision that I must withdraw from Queen’s University for a minimum of one year.
In light of the aforementioned decision, I would like to provide a detailed explanation of the extenuating circumstances that have significantly impacted my academic performance. These circumstances were unforeseen, beyond my control, and directly affected my ability to perform at my best academically.

During the start of my first year at Queen's University, I was reassessed and diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Dyscalculia. Unfortunately, within the first month of school in September 2019, I experienced the devastating loss of my best friend, Sean Green. This unexpected tragedy had a profound impact on my mental well-being, hindering my ability to focus and engage effectively in my studies.

I must admit that during that period, I was in denial about my ADHD diagnosis and the loss of my friend. Consequently, upon returning to school after taking some time to mourn, I failed to utilize the necessary ADHD accommodations available to support me. Compounded with the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced a transition to online learning throughout my second year, my academic performance suffered greatly, resulting in unsatisfactory grades in the majority of my courses.

As I entered my second year, I continued to struggle with accepting my ADHD diagnosis and failed to implement the appropriate accommodations. Moreover, my mental health deteriorated, making it increasingly difficult to concentrate on online classes and find the motivation to succeed academically. The cumulative effect of coping with the COVID-19 pandemic, the loss of my best friend, and grappling with my ADHD diagnosis created significant obstacles to my academic progress during the second year.

However, during my third year of university, I began to accept and embrace my ADHD diagnosis. I took proactive steps to address my condition by meeting with a psychologist (Dr. Saadia Ahmad) and my family doctor (Dr. Flora Riccuiuti). Together, we explored various strategies, including medication, to manage my ADHD symptoms. Furthermore, I made the decision to take a break from my studies after the spring term, during which I worked full-time and sought guidance from an ADHD coach to develop effective coping strategies for my return to school. This period of self-reflection and skill-building was crucial for my personal growth and academic development.

Upon my return to Queen's University for the fourth year, I was still in the process of experimenting with medications, dosages and ADHD accommodations. Consequently, the lack of a consistent routine in taking my medication had an adverse impact on my ability to maintain a stable academic performance during the first term. However, during the winter term of my fourth year, I fully embraced my ADHD diagnosis and successfully implemented the necessary accommodations. Additionally, I discovered a medication regimen that greatly supported my focus and academic performance. Regrettably, despite the improvements made in the final term, my previous unsatisfactory grades prevented me from achieving the minimum 1.6 GPA required to lift the academic probation. As a result, I have recently received a letter stating that I must withdraw from Queen's University for a minimum period of one year.

Given the extenuating circumstances I have outlined, I kindly request that you review my case and consider my petition for an exception to the faculty’s decision. I firmly believe that with the appropriate support and accommodations, I will be able to demonstrate my academic capabilities and contribute positively to the university community.