Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dear Associate Dean,
I am writing to petition to drop the following courses formally: GPHY320 (Fall 2019), GPHY203 (Fall 2019), GPHY227 (Winter 2020), GPHY368 (Fall 2020), GPHY314 (Fall 2020), IDS302 (Winter 2021), GPHY332 (Winter 2021), GPHY254 (Winter 2021), GPHY351 (Fall 2021), GPHY339 (Fall 2021), GPHY330 (Fall 2021), GPHY352 (Winter 2022), GPHY337 (Winter 2022), GPHY319 (Winter 2022), and GPHY362 (Summer 2022). I am also petitioning to request Credit (CR) standing for the following courses: GPHY209 (Fall 2020), GPHY203 (Winter 2021), GPHY230 (Winter 2022)
Over the past few years, I have been struggling with severe depression, undiagnosed anxiety, and ADHD. These conditions have significantly impacted my academic performance and ability to complete the courses I was enrolled in. Additionally, I experienced culture shock and lacked sufficient mental health support. The stress from academic assignments, combined with the mental health challenges, triggered traumatic flashbacks and debilitating panic attacks, further deteriorating my ability to lead a normal and functional life.
Simple daily tasks such as getting out of bed, maintaining hygiene, attending classes, and completing assignments became insurmountable challenges. My self-confidence diminished as I realized I was failing my courses, but I persisted in trying to complete them despite not receiving the appropriate mental health treatment.
The on-campus physicians did not provide the specialized help I needed. They prescribed generalized antidepressants that were ineffective for me and dismissed my concerns about anxiety and concentration difficulties, attributing all my symptoms solely to depression. I felt unheard and gaslit, especially as I continued to feel unwell despite taking the prescribed medication. While at Queen’s University, I sought support from various resources, including seeing counsellors, participating in PEGASUS, and visiting the Student Wellness Centre. However, these efforts did not yield the necessary results.
I did not appeal earlier because I was unaware of the severity of my mental health condition. I believed I could manage my courses, even though my depression and anxiety had severely affected my life and academic performance. It was frustrating to see my peers progressing with their studies and performing everyday tasks that I struggled with. My deteriorating mental health led me to continue enrolling in courses; despite knowing I was unable to complete them.
When I received the email requiring me to withdraw from Queen’s University for a year, I misread the email and overlooked the note stating that I was still able/enrolled to complete the summer course (GPHY362 Summer 2022). I mistakenly understood I was immediately withdrawn including the summer course I was enrolled in.
Upon returning home to Ecuador in December 2022, I began seeing a psychiatrist who diagnosed me with depression, anxiety, and ADHD. I received the proper medication and treatment that I had been lacking. For the next six months, I had bi-weekly sessions with my psychiatrist and now see him monthly for check-ups. I also have a psychologist (therapist) with whom I have worked closely, since December 2023, seeing her weekly. My therapist and psychiatrist work together/ are in contact to ensure I receive specialized treatment and can achieve my goals.
I have taken significant steps to improve my mental health, and I am committed to continuing my treatment. I work closely with my therapist and myself to achieve my goals. I have taken more of a break from studies after my 1-year withdrawal requirement to focus on myself, grow as a person and focus on my mental health, as I was aware that I needed more time for myself before being/wanting to head back to university.
I am now ready to return to my studies and am confident in my ability to achieve academic success. I have dedicated time to personal growth, developing new coping skills, and adopting healthier habits. I have also received the proper medication and therapy that I needed, which has allowed me to learn from my past experiences. I am now in a much better mental space. I currently live in Downtown Toronto, I have a dog, and I’ve gained valuable experience in responsibility, organization, and scheduling.
If my appeal is accepted, I will carefully organize and implement a success plan that aligns with my goals while being mindful of past challenges. I am committed to being realistic and using the lessons I’ve learned to create an approach that will best support my academic achievements.