Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: June 13th 2023

To: Dr. Jenn Stephenson, Associate Dean (Studies), Queen’s Unversity

I am writing to appeal my one-year academic probation from Queen’s University. I was not surprised when I received notice of this probation, but I was very upset and deeply disappointed in myself. This letter is to implore you to waive my requirement to withdraw for one year, as I believe the circumstances that led to this situation were out of my control at the time. I am, however, rebuilding the support networks I need to ensure this does not happen again. Thank you so much for allowing me the opportunity to best explain my extenuating circumstances.


Appeal:

I am writing to appeal the decision that I must take a year of absence from Queens University.

I'm also requesting permission to late drop these two courses: RELS-131 (World Religions), and MUSC-114 (Teaching Music to Children)

I believe that the extenuating circumstances within this letter detail why I was unable to fulfill my academic expectations; and I believe that my new plan for academic and mental health support will ensure I am able to meet expectations for the 2023-24 academic year.


Contributing Circumstances for 2022-23 Academic Year

As a student with ADHD, depression, and anxiety, the year was quite complex. Throughout my high school years, my ability to manage these challenges was improving due to a network of resources and hard work. Unfortunately, the mental health and medical help that were previously part of my support system were no longer available. The following outlines a timeline with these challenges:

My pediatrician retired in July of 2021, and finding a new family doctor was challenging.

First appointment with new family doctor was on September 23rd, 2022 by phone.

Turned 19-years old in January 2023, aging out of the youth system including Psychiatry appointments with pre-established Psychiatrist.

Due to this, my prescription for anxiety medication could not be immediately renewed. Thus began a period of time where I either rationed or went without this medication, worsening depressive symptoms.

Recognizing these challenges, I finally contacted my new family doctor in March 2023. She agreed to provide a prescription for 2 months and booked her first available appointment for May 1st, 2023.

Thankfully, at that point she recognized that I was in need of treatment, and we booked a follow up appointment for May 17, 2023.


Significance of Documentation:

Throughout my academic life, I have struggled with Organization & Task Management to a clinicaly demonstrable extent. Though this has been a hindrance to my academic success, I have been improving consistently as I got treatment and as my brain developed. As an example, I achieved an A in both my English courses in Grade 12, despite signifigant struggles with writing due to my learning disability

This year has been a specific exception to a consistent trend of improvement. With the proper treatment and support networks, I’m certain that I will be able to meet academic expectations.