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Petition Type: New
ID: 13316
Submitted: June 10, 2025 at 8:51:59 PM
First Name: Leo
Last Name: Nussbaum
Pronoun: He/Him
Preferred Name: Leo Nussbaum
Student Number: 20158801
Email: 18lrn@queensu.ca
Degree Program: BAH
Plan: ECON
Level of Study: 2
Petition Categories
Petition Categories: Waive the requirement to withdraw for a minimum of three years
Petition Letter
Petition Letter: Dear Associate Dean,
I am writing to respectfully request readmission to the Faculty of Arts and Science at Queen’s University. I understand the reasons behind my required withdrawal and take full responsibility for my academic performance. That said, over the past year, I’ve made a real effort to turn things around, and I’m committed to continuing that progress if given the chance to return.
This past academic year has been extremely difficult for me. My father suffered a stroke early in the fall term, an event that shook my family and deeply affected my emotional and mental well being. This led to a difficult start to the academic year and completely disrupted my ability to focus on school. I was overwhelmed, stressed, and mentally in a dark place for a while. At the time, I didn’t submit any formal documentation to explain these circumstances but it genuinely affected my mindset and ability to keep up with my courses throughout the year.
At the same time, I’ve started to take steps to understand and manage other underlying challenges I’ve been dealing with for a while. I’ve been referred for ADHD assessment by my doctor, and I’m currently in the process of getting properly diagnosed and supported. For a long time, I’ve struggled with staying focused, organizing my workload, and managing time effectively. This referral has helped me take a more serious and structured approach to getting help.
Despite not having official support or accommodations in place yet, I really tried to push myself this winter to do better. I earned a 1.05 GPA in Winter 2025, including two 6.0 credit courses. While I recognize that my cumulative GPA remains below the threshold, I believe that this improvement reflects my determination to grow and my capacity to succeed.
Beyond academics, I have made lifestyle and mindset changes such as building better habits, trying to be more consistent, and working on my discipline and time management. These changes have helped me manage stress more effectively and help me maintain a clearer focus on my I’m in touch with Queen’s support services now, and I plan to stay connected with academic advising and wellness services to make sure I stay on track.
I genuinely want to succeed. I want to prove to myself that I can do better and finish what I started. I know it won’t be easy, but I’m ready to put my best foot forward and take full advantage of the resources available. I am grateful for the growth and perspective that this experience has shown me.
If I’m allowed to return, I’m more than willing to accept any conditions the Faculty recommends whether that’s academic probation, a reduced course load, or regular check-ins. Thank you for taking the time to consider my request. I truly hope I can be given the opportunity to come back to Queen’s University and keep working toward my degree with a better mindset and stronger foundation.
Sincerely,
Leo Nussbaum
Student #: 20158801
I am writing to respectfully request readmission to the Faculty of Arts and Science at Queen’s University. I understand the reasons behind my required withdrawal and take full responsibility for my academic performance. That said, over the past year, I’ve made a real effort to turn things around, and I’m committed to continuing that progress if given the chance to return.
This past academic year has been extremely difficult for me. My father suffered a stroke early in the fall term, an event that shook my family and deeply affected my emotional and mental well being. This led to a difficult start to the academic year and completely disrupted my ability to focus on school. I was overwhelmed, stressed, and mentally in a dark place for a while. At the time, I didn’t submit any formal documentation to explain these circumstances but it genuinely affected my mindset and ability to keep up with my courses throughout the year.
At the same time, I’ve started to take steps to understand and manage other underlying challenges I’ve been dealing with for a while. I’ve been referred for ADHD assessment by my doctor, and I’m currently in the process of getting properly diagnosed and supported. For a long time, I’ve struggled with staying focused, organizing my workload, and managing time effectively. This referral has helped me take a more serious and structured approach to getting help.
Despite not having official support or accommodations in place yet, I really tried to push myself this winter to do better. I earned a 1.05 GPA in Winter 2025, including two 6.0 credit courses. While I recognize that my cumulative GPA remains below the threshold, I believe that this improvement reflects my determination to grow and my capacity to succeed.
Beyond academics, I have made lifestyle and mindset changes such as building better habits, trying to be more consistent, and working on my discipline and time management. These changes have helped me manage stress more effectively and help me maintain a clearer focus on my I’m in touch with Queen’s support services now, and I plan to stay connected with academic advising and wellness services to make sure I stay on track.
I genuinely want to succeed. I want to prove to myself that I can do better and finish what I started. I know it won’t be easy, but I’m ready to put my best foot forward and take full advantage of the resources available. I am grateful for the growth and perspective that this experience has shown me.
If I’m allowed to return, I’m more than willing to accept any conditions the Faculty recommends whether that’s academic probation, a reduced course load, or regular check-ins. Thank you for taking the time to consider my request. I truly hope I can be given the opportunity to come back to Queen’s University and keep working toward my degree with a better mindset and stronger foundation.
Sincerely,
Leo Nussbaum
Student #: 20158801
Academic Plan
Academic Plan: This is the academic plan I’ve put together as part of my petition to return to studies. I’ve spent time thinking about where things went wrong and what I need to do differently. If I’m given the chance to come back, I’m ready to approach things in a much more focused and structured way.
Course of Study
I’m currently working toward an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Economics. I’ve reviewed my Academic Advisement Report in SOLUS and have a clear understanding of the courses I still need to complete. If readmitted, I plan to take a lighter course load of three or four classes, which will help me stay organized and better manage my time and workload.
Workload and Balance
In the past, I’ve struggled when I’ve taken on too much. This time, I won’t be working or taking on any extra responsibilities outside of school. My full attention will be on my courses and keeping up with everything consistently from the start of term.
What I’m Doing Differently
Recently, I was referred by my doctor for an ADHD assessment. While I’m still going through that process, it’s helped me understand why I’ve struggled with focus, time management, and organization in the past. I’ve already started making changes like building a daily routine, using calendars and reminders, and breaking larger tasks into smaller steps.
I’ve also started reaching out for help more proactively. I’m already in contact with Queen’s Student Support Services and I plan to stay connected with Academic Advising and Student Wellness as I transition back. I will also make use of Student Academic Success Services to improve my study habits and time management. I’ll attend office hours regularly and keep in close contact with professors and TAs when I need support.
Looking Ahead
Finishing my Economics degree means a lot to me. I’ve learned from my setbacks, and I’m serious about doing better. I want to prove to myself that I can stay focused, follow through, and finish what I started.
If I’m allowed to return, I’ll take full responsibility and make sure I stick to this plan.
Course of Study
I’m currently working toward an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Economics. I’ve reviewed my Academic Advisement Report in SOLUS and have a clear understanding of the courses I still need to complete. If readmitted, I plan to take a lighter course load of three or four classes, which will help me stay organized and better manage my time and workload.
Workload and Balance
In the past, I’ve struggled when I’ve taken on too much. This time, I won’t be working or taking on any extra responsibilities outside of school. My full attention will be on my courses and keeping up with everything consistently from the start of term.
What I’m Doing Differently
Recently, I was referred by my doctor for an ADHD assessment. While I’m still going through that process, it’s helped me understand why I’ve struggled with focus, time management, and organization in the past. I’ve already started making changes like building a daily routine, using calendars and reminders, and breaking larger tasks into smaller steps.
I’ve also started reaching out for help more proactively. I’m already in contact with Queen’s Student Support Services and I plan to stay connected with Academic Advising and Student Wellness as I transition back. I will also make use of Student Academic Success Services to improve my study habits and time management. I’ll attend office hours regularly and keep in close contact with professors and TAs when I need support.
Looking Ahead
Finishing my Economics degree means a lot to me. I’ve learned from my setbacks, and I’m serious about doing better. I want to prove to myself that I can stay focused, follow through, and finish what I started.
If I’m allowed to return, I’ll take full responsibility and make sure I stick to this plan.
Documentation
Professional Letter: LN Letter of Support June 20 2025 20158801.pdf
Professional Letter Detail: NO DOC
Documentation Detail: If required I can retrieve documentation from my fathers stroke

