Manage Appeals
Petition Type: New
ID: 13332
Submitted: June 11, 2025 at 10:42:39 PM
First Name: Yuanyuan
Last Name: Zhai
Pronoun: she
Preferred Name: Ali
Student Number: 20365522
Email: 22yz22@queensu.ca
Degree Program: BAH
Plan: ECON
Level of Study: 2
Code: .
Term: Winter
Year: 2025
Instructor's Name: .
Section/Class Number: .
Petition Letter
Petition Letter: I am writing to respectfully request a waiver of the recommended reduced course load (9.0 credits per semester) associated with my current academic probation status. While I am truly grateful for the Faculty’s support in allowing me to continue my studies, I would like to provide some background on my circumstances and explain why I believe I am now capable of managing a full course load.
Over the past academic year, I experienced significant psychological distress and anxiety that had a serious impact on my academic performance. These challenges were rooted in both physical and psychological issues, including anemia, ADHD, somatization of anxiety, and depression. Unfortunately, my lack of awareness and delayed response to these conditions further compounded the difficulties I faced in focusing on my coursework.
During the Winter 2025 semester, I began consistently taking iron, magnesium, and vitamin D supplements to address both my anemia and depressive symptoms. As a result, I have seen notable improvements in my physical health, mental clarity, and emotional resilience. A medical note confirming my diagnosis of anemia is attached.
Since returning home this summer, I have also been receiving regular counseling from a licensed mental health professional. My family’s support has played an important role in helping me stabilize and better manage my stress and emotional well-being. Through ongoing therapy, I have made meaningful progress in reducing anxiety, building healthier coping mechanisms, and establishing a more balanced lifestyle. While I am not currently on psychiatric medication, my therapist has advised me to continue psychological monitoring, which I am fully committed to.
In addition，since the Winter 2025 semester, I have been proactively reaching out to Mrs. Daralyn Auld, Academic Advising Teacher for International Students, to address all of the issues I am currently facing. I have worked hard to seek support and take responsibility for my setbacks, just in the hopes that the school can see my efforts. I truly believe that I have been doing my best to overcome all obstacles, mental, emotional, and academic, to get my education back on track. I sincerely request that the faculty give me this opportunity to return to my regular course load so that I can continue to complete my education. I will continue to work hard and do my best to succeed.
Over the past academic year, I experienced significant psychological distress and anxiety that had a serious impact on my academic performance. These challenges were rooted in both physical and psychological issues, including anemia, ADHD, somatization of anxiety, and depression. Unfortunately, my lack of awareness and delayed response to these conditions further compounded the difficulties I faced in focusing on my coursework.
During the Winter 2025 semester, I began consistently taking iron, magnesium, and vitamin D supplements to address both my anemia and depressive symptoms. As a result, I have seen notable improvements in my physical health, mental clarity, and emotional resilience. A medical note confirming my diagnosis of anemia is attached.
Since returning home this summer, I have also been receiving regular counseling from a licensed mental health professional. My family’s support has played an important role in helping me stabilize and better manage my stress and emotional well-being. Through ongoing therapy, I have made meaningful progress in reducing anxiety, building healthier coping mechanisms, and establishing a more balanced lifestyle. While I am not currently on psychiatric medication, my therapist has advised me to continue psychological monitoring, which I am fully committed to.
In addition，since the Winter 2025 semester, I have been proactively reaching out to Mrs. Daralyn Auld, Academic Advising Teacher for International Students, to address all of the issues I am currently facing. I have worked hard to seek support and take responsibility for my setbacks, just in the hopes that the school can see my efforts. I truly believe that I have been doing my best to overcome all obstacles, mental, emotional, and academic, to get my education back on track. I sincerely request that the faculty give me this opportunity to return to my regular course load so that I can continue to complete my education. I will continue to work hard and do my best to succeed.
Academic Plan
Academic Plan: To improve my academic standing, I plan to apply for retroactive withdrawal from several courses in which I failed last year. Removing these courses from my academic record will allow for a more accurate reflection of my current capabilities and reduce the GPA penalty from past extenuating circumstances.
At the same time, I will retake selected courses to rebuild my academic foundation and work toward steady GPA improvement. My goal is to maintain a term GPA above 1.6, as required, while balancing my course load and mental health. I will continue attending regular counselling sessions and following my treatment plan to manage my ADHD, anxiety, and overall well-being.
I have also adjusted my study habits by incorporating structured routines, time management strategies, and the use of academic resources such as tutoring and study groups. Should my petition be approved, I will remain vigilant in tracking my academic progress and will consult regularly with academic advisors to ensure I remain on track for graduation.
At the same time, I will retake selected courses to rebuild my academic foundation and work toward steady GPA improvement. My goal is to maintain a term GPA above 1.6, as required, while balancing my course load and mental health. I will continue attending regular counselling sessions and following my treatment plan to manage my ADHD, anxiety, and overall well-being.
I have also adjusted my study habits by incorporating structured routines, time management strategies, and the use of academic resources such as tutoring and study groups. Should my petition be approved, I will remain vigilant in tracking my academic progress and will consult regularly with academic advisors to ensure I remain on track for graduation.
Documentation
Professional Letter: YUANYUAN_ZHAI_LabReport-0.pdf
Professional Letter Detail: I'll submit proof of counseling within the time limit.
Amendment to Appeal 13332
Relevant Petition: 13332
New Information: Beginning around 2023, I began experiencing persistent symptoms of depression and anxiety, which gradually worsened over time. These symptoms significantly impaired my ability to focus, manage time, and stay motivated—core functions required for academic success. Despite my efforts to stay on track, I found myself increasingly overwhelmed, and my academic performance declined as a result.
Initially, I sought help through online counselling sessions with mental health professionals. At that stage, my symptoms were assessed as manageable without medication, and I tried to continue my studies with the support of these sessions. However, due to the absence of formal diagnosis documentation from a recognized institution, I was unable to provide adequate proof of my condition during earlier academic assessments.
Recently, I underwent an official psychiatric evaluation at Beijing Anding Hospital, a well-established mental health institution. I have now received a formal diagnosis, and I am submitting the official documentation along with this petition. The medical evaluation confirms that my academic struggles are linked to clinically recognized mental health conditions.
At present, my condition is being actively managed. I have taken meaningful steps toward recovery and continue to follow professional recommendations to maintain stability. My current symptoms are under better control, and I am confident that they will not pose a significant barrier to my future academic performance. I believe that with the appropriate academic support and a regular course load, I will be able to improve my GPA and return to a productive academic path.
I respectfully ask that this statement and the attached documentation be considered as part of my petition, and I sincerely hope for the opportunity to continue my studies without the restriction on credit load.
Initially, I sought help through online counselling sessions with mental health professionals. At that stage, my symptoms were assessed as manageable without medication, and I tried to continue my studies with the support of these sessions. However, due to the absence of formal diagnosis documentation from a recognized institution, I was unable to provide adequate proof of my condition during earlier academic assessments.
Recently, I underwent an official psychiatric evaluation at Beijing Anding Hospital, a well-established mental health institution. I have now received a formal diagnosis, and I am submitting the official documentation along with this petition. The medical evaluation confirms that my academic struggles are linked to clinically recognized mental health conditions.
At present, my condition is being actively managed. I have taken meaningful steps toward recovery and continue to follow professional recommendations to maintain stability. My current symptoms are under better control, and I am confident that they will not pose a significant barrier to my future academic performance. I believe that with the appropriate academic support and a regular course load, I will be able to improve my GPA and return to a productive academic path.
I respectfully ask that this statement and the attached documentation be considered as part of my petition, and I sincerely hope for the opportunity to continue my studies without the restriction on credit load.
Student Number: 20365522
Documentation
Professional Letter: ZhaiYuanyuan .pdf