Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: The extenuating circumstances involved are related to general instability. In the fall semester, I was in Ottawa and living with people who heavily used drugs. I moved there in the spring of 2022 from a men's shelter when I decided on a manic whim that I would begin a new life in Ottawa. I did not partake but the environment contributed to a deterioration in my overall mental state - I had a manic episode and a handful of harsh benders. The entire semester is a blur. I did not attend classes or submit any coursework.



In the winter, I decided to be physically present in Kingston and found a sublet. It was an extremely difficult period. I was very anxious and self-conscious about being a longtime failing undergraduate. The combination of isolation, embarrassment/shame of being in my overall situation, and continuous mental tension of trying to sustain meaningful sobriety led to me completely unravelling by early February.



I went to a hospital-based treatment program in April. I have never attended a more rigorous program and certainly never one with a more therapeutically sound basis. I then spent several months living in a men's post-treatment facility called Alpha House. I am now back in Kingston. I maintain follow-up with a psychiatrist and my family doctor. In addition to this, I am receiving support from different sources here at Queen's: Student Wellness Services, Queen's Student Accessibility Services, and Student Support Services.



It is unpleasant for me to submit another petition like this but I can objectively state that I have never been more internally and externally equipped to move forward from this difficult period in my life. Thank you for your understanding.