Manage Appeals
Petition Type: New
ID: 13683
Submitted: October 23, 2025 at 3:53:45 PM
First Name: Jemima
Last Name: Matthew-Smith
Pronoun: She
Student Number: 20428200
Email: 23ltlw@queens.ca
Degree Program: BA
Plan: PHIL
Level of Study: 2
Petition Categories
Petition Categories: Waive the requirement to withdraw for one year, Waive the 21-day or one term deadline
Petition Letter
Petition Letter: Over the past four years, I have been struggling with chronic health issues that have significantly impacted my well-being and academic progress. During winter break last year, my health took a severe downturn, and I had to switch all of my medications, which further complicated my condition. When I returned to school in January, I was still very unwell and unsure of how to proceed.
I reached out to Student Wellness Services to see a doctor, as I had done several times in my first year, only to learn that the physician I had previously been assigned to had left the university and that no new doctor had been assigned to me. I made several attempts to book an appointment and was eventually able to see a same-day doctor. Unfortunately, I was prescribed the wrong medication, which led to serotonin disruption syndrome.
At that point, I was extremely unwell, confused, and had fallen significantly behind in my coursework. I tried again to secure ongoing medical care but was placed on a waitlist until the end of April. By then, my condition had worsened to the point that I required emergency care and had to return home. During that time, I was entirely focused on trying to recover and unintentionally neglected my academic responsibilities.
When I got home, my chronic health issues and anxiety disorder reached an all-time high. Over the summer, I focused on recovery and made substantial progress. However, just before the fall semester, I became severely ill again and felt completely lost about how to move forward. I had fully intended to return to Queen’s in the fall, but my health setbacks left me unsure of how to explain my situation or begin the process of returning.
Now, my greatest goal is to return to Queen’s University and continue my education. I understand that, due to my last semester, I was asked to withdraw, but if there is any way to be reinstated, I am eager to do whatever it takes. I am finally at a point where my health is stable, and for the first time in four years, I am truly on the road to recovery. I am confident that, with this renewed stability and determination, I can return as a strong, dedicated student and make the most of the opportunity to continue my studies.
I reached out to Student Wellness Services to see a doctor, as I had done several times in my first year, only to learn that the physician I had previously been assigned to had left the university and that no new doctor had been assigned to me. I made several attempts to book an appointment and was eventually able to see a same-day doctor. Unfortunately, I was prescribed the wrong medication, which led to serotonin disruption syndrome.
At that point, I was extremely unwell, confused, and had fallen significantly behind in my coursework. I tried again to secure ongoing medical care but was placed on a waitlist until the end of April. By then, my condition had worsened to the point that I required emergency care and had to return home. During that time, I was entirely focused on trying to recover and unintentionally neglected my academic responsibilities.
When I got home, my chronic health issues and anxiety disorder reached an all-time high. Over the summer, I focused on recovery and made substantial progress. However, just before the fall semester, I became severely ill again and felt completely lost about how to move forward. I had fully intended to return to Queen’s in the fall, but my health setbacks left me unsure of how to explain my situation or begin the process of returning.
Now, my greatest goal is to return to Queen’s University and continue my education. I understand that, due to my last semester, I was asked to withdraw, but if there is any way to be reinstated, I am eager to do whatever it takes. I am finally at a point where my health is stable, and for the first time in four years, I am truly on the road to recovery. I am confident that, with this renewed stability and determination, I can return as a strong, dedicated student and make the most of the opportunity to continue my studies.
Academic Plan
Academic Plan: If I were accepted back, my academic plan would include meeting with an academic advisor to potentially adjust my program and carefully plan a manageable course load. One of the challenges I faced previously was not seeking academic guidance early on, and I now recognize how valuable that support is. Working closely with an advisor to create a structured plan would not only help me stay on track with my coursework but also set me up for long-term success.
I am prepared to take the necessary steps to rebuild my academic foundation. Before my illness, I consistently achieved high academic standing in high school, taking multiple AP courses and maintaining a 90% average. I know I have the ability to succeed when I am supported and healthy.
I believe returning in the winter term would be the best option for me. It would allow me to resume my studies without the pressure of feeling too far behind, and I plan to take courses during the summer semester as well to further support my progress and academic goals.
My academic plan.
Firstly I have gone over the Preparing an academic plan and identified the areas that are relevant to my situation. From there I have made this plan which I would then go over with an academic advisor to revise and make sure this plan will truly provide me with success.
I have identified that my issue was not with the course load, and I found my material very interesting. My issue was with my health I was having so many days that I could not even do the most basic of tasks that I fell behind and struggled to catch up. Because I am now not having these days I will be able to follow a routine of school work I can make at the begging if the semester that outlines my tasks and assignments for each week and how much each day I can complete for this to be manageable. I was not able to do this before as I would make a schedule and spend half the week sick, piling the work into the next week when it was unbearable. I had the same issue with attending lectures and tutorials, I would have a flare up or episode in my health and would miss important lectures and tutorials that would make me feel farther behind.
One of the main things in my academic plan in communication. I need to communicate with mt TAs, Proffesors, Advisors, etc. I felt for so long I couldnt reach out for support and I think thats where I majorly failed. By now doing this I am not scared to reach out when I need help.
I am prepared to take the necessary steps to rebuild my academic foundation. Before my illness, I consistently achieved high academic standing in high school, taking multiple AP courses and maintaining a 90% average. I know I have the ability to succeed when I am supported and healthy.
I believe returning in the winter term would be the best option for me. It would allow me to resume my studies without the pressure of feeling too far behind, and I plan to take courses during the summer semester as well to further support my progress and academic goals.
My academic plan.
Firstly I have gone over the Preparing an academic plan and identified the areas that are relevant to my situation. From there I have made this plan which I would then go over with an academic advisor to revise and make sure this plan will truly provide me with success.
I have identified that my issue was not with the course load, and I found my material very interesting. My issue was with my health I was having so many days that I could not even do the most basic of tasks that I fell behind and struggled to catch up. Because I am now not having these days I will be able to follow a routine of school work I can make at the begging if the semester that outlines my tasks and assignments for each week and how much each day I can complete for this to be manageable. I was not able to do this before as I would make a schedule and spend half the week sick, piling the work into the next week when it was unbearable. I had the same issue with attending lectures and tutorials, I would have a flare up or episode in my health and would miss important lectures and tutorials that would make me feel farther behind.
One of the main things in my academic plan in communication. I need to communicate with mt TAs, Proffesors, Advisors, etc. I felt for so long I couldnt reach out for support and I think thats where I majorly failed. By now doing this I am not scared to reach out when I need help.
Documentation
Professional Letter: Document_250821_090803.pdf
Decision Letters
History
Originally submitted October 23, 2025 at 3:53:45 PM.
| Field | Reference | Old Value | New Value | Note | User | Date/Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| status | N/A | Received | In Review | Kerri Andrews | 2025-10-29 4:29:50 PM | |
| professional_letter | N/A | Document_250821_090803.pdf | Kerri Andrews | 2025-10-29 4:32:03 PM | ||
| appeal_category | N/A | Waive the requirement to withdraw for one year | Waive the requirement to withdraw for one year, Waive the 21-day or one term deadline | Kerri Andrews | 2025-10-29 4:32:03 PM | |
| status | N/A | In Review | Granted | Heather Carter | 2025-11-26 2:15:51 PM | |
| associate_dean | N/A | Dorit Naaman (Associate Dean Academic) | Heather Carter | 2025-11-26 2:15:51 PM | ||
| decision_letter | N/A | N/A | Decision letter sent | Heather Carter | 2025-12-02 10:40:38 AM |