Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Queen’s University Arts and Science Academic and Appeals committee,

I am currently a First Year student attending Queen’s University with hopes to continue my studies successfully throughout the second year. That being said, I am writing on behalf of myself to appeal the missed deadline to appeal the request to withdraw for one year. In late 2018 I was diagnosed with anxiety as well as mild depression by my family physician. Since then I have met with countless social workers and counsellors in and outside of school to then stick with the counsellor I have been meeting with weekly/bi-weekly, and whenever needed, for almost 5 years, depending on my fluctuating mental state. It is evidently shown how my long history of mental health issues has made it very challenging for me to reach my full academic potential. Despite this, I worked very hard to achieve the results needed to get accepted into Queen's University. I am incredibly proud of this achievement!

I entered my first year with high hopes of continuing my new found success, and without assistance, but unfortunately was not able to do this on my own. Not only was I struggling with adapting to an entirely different lifestyle away from home. I was alone whilst navigating a new and challenging era of my life. Without the support of my parents and regular counselling sessions, my anxiety and depression spiked at an all time high; I clearly struggled throughout my classes and new lifestyle adjustments. I made the decision to see my counsellor again after weeks without mental health sessions, and was doing worse than I could have ever imagined. Just after returning from the winter break I received an email where it was highly suggested to meet with a Bounce Back mentor from the Bounce Back program to which I did. I met with this mentor once a week for the final months of First Year and tried so hard to stick with the routines, schedules, and tips they would provide me with, on top of regularly seeing my personal counsellor. However, it did not abate my rapidly declining mental health and overall well-being. Feeling lost and utterly hopeless for how the rest of my year would turn out I gave my final push before reaching exhaustion and ultimately crashing. I returned home happy that I didn’t quit before the year ended, only to have that finite amount of peace shattered as I read the letter from the Arts and Science Faculty, requesting my withdrawal of the following year. I was devastated, especially as I thought making over the finish line of barely completing my first year was over. Realizing I opened the letter much later than my few days I had to appeal, the request took me to a low I never wish to experience again. I came clean to my parents who were quick to offer their support in any means they can, and are helping me with this appeal.

Mistakes happen, I assume anyone would know this, but to make a mistake this grand can cost someone almost everything. I am aware of how I am to blame for being in such a position, but what I’ve learned most from my situation is how I am also the only one able to help me now. I humbly ask for the opportunity to appeal the request to withdraw for one year from the Arts and Science faculty at Queen’s University, to prove to not just to my professors, but also myself, that my mental health does not define me, or become an obstacle on my path to succeed.