Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Dr. Stephenson

I hope this letter finds you well. I write this letter to petition a requirement to withdraw for one year due to being placed on academic probation for two consecutive semesters. I understand the seriousness of my academic situation, which is why I appreciate the opportunity to provide much-needed context and supplementary documentation regarding the extenuating circumstances that impacted my academic performance.

Throughout my third year at Queens University, I struggled immensely with a severe anxiety disorder, which manifested in near-daily panic attacks. Despite my efforts to manage my condition with the assistance of healthcare professionals, the challenges persisted, and at times, intensified. These difficulties severely affected my ability to focus, retain information, and perform academically to the best of my abilities. Aside from the debilitating sensation of constant anxiety in the form of nausea and migraines, I would routinely find myself enduring bouts of extreme panic whilst attending classes, exams, and any in-person academic activities. As one could imagine, I found this situation to be extremely discouraging, and I would often find myself simply not attending classes because I knew the chances of me experiencing an episode of panic would be near 100%.

At this point, it would have been in my best interest to either take a voluntary withdrawal from studies to focus on my mental health or bear a lighter course load. Ultimately I made the decision to return to studies in the fall 2023 semester in hopes of reviving my subpar GPA.

Unfortunately, it is here where I would find my medical struggles to worsen throughout the semester, once again finding myself in a perpetual state of anxiety which would prove to hinder my academic performance. This state I found myself in seemed to exist without reason and without a possibility of treatment as medication plans and lifestyle changes would yield no mental improvement, leaving me unable to fulfill academic responsibilities and feeling generally quite hopeless in regards to achieving any academic success.

Luckily, in February 2024 I was finally able to adopt an effective medication plan and both identify and implement lifestyle habits that have since helped me maintain a more stable state of mind. The past four months I have found my life to have completely turned around in terms of these previously stated mental struggles, and with this newfound sense of serenity and stability, I am confident in my ability to succeed academically and thrive in my program.

I understand that my academic performance prior to this improvement may not reflect my true capabilities or dedication to my studies. Therefore, I am submitting this petition accompanied by documentation to support my claim of experiencing these harsh and academically deterring symptoms.
Furthermore, I am committed to following through with a well-formulated academic plan to ensure my success moving forward. I am willing to participate in any additional support programs or academic counseling sessions that the university may offer to ensure my success and demonstrate my commitment to academic improvement.

I am deeply invested in completing my degree at Queen’s University, and I am determined to overcome the challenges I have faced.

Thank you for considering my petition. I am grateful for the opportunity to provide further insight into my circumstances, and I am hopeful for a favorable resolution to this matter. Should you require any additional information or documentation, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,

Will Copeman