Manage Appeals
Petition Type: New
ID: 14483
Submitted: June 15, 2026 at 10:18:49 PM
First Name: Lauren
Last Name: Lidhar
Pronoun: She/Her
Student Number: 20299171
Email: 21ll19@queensu.ca
Degree Program: BSH
Plan: GEOL
Level of Study: 2
Petition Categories
Petition Categories: Waive the requirement to withdraw for a minimum of three years
Petition Letter
Petition Letter: Dear Academic Appeals Committee,
I am writing to respectfully appeal my three-year withdrawal and request reconsideration of my academic standing.
Throughout my time at university, my academic performance has been inconsistent, with periods of strong achievement followed by significant academic struggles. While I recognize that my grades have not met the standards expected by the university, I believe my record also demonstrates that I am capable of succeeding academically when I am able to effectively manage the challenges I have been facing.
Over the past several years, I have experienced ongoing family difficulties that have had a substantial impact on my mental health, focus, and academic performance. At the time, I did not fully understand the extent to which these challenges were affecting my ability to learn and perform to my potential. More recently, through therapy and professional support, I have begun to understand that many of the difficulties I have experienced with concentration, organization, task completion, and academic consistency may be related to previously undiagnosed ADHD and high-functioning anxiety. I am currently undergoing the diagnostic process and am awaiting formal assessment results.
These circumstances do not excuse my academic performance, but they do provide important context for the struggles reflected in my transcript. Looking back, I can now see that many of the barriers I faced were related to challenges that had not yet been identified or properly addressed. Since seeking professional support, I have gained a much better understanding of my needs and have begun developing strategies to manage them effectively.
I am prepared to provide supporting documentation from my therapist, as well as documentation regarding my ongoing assessment and diagnostic process. This evidence will demonstrate both the challenges I have been facing and the steps I am actively taking to address them.
I would also like to highlight that my academic record does not fully reflect my abilities or potential. My high school performance demonstrated that I am a capable and motivated student. In addition, outside of the classroom, I have consistently remained engaged in extracurricular activities, leadership roles, and professional experiences. Through my involvement in university clubs, student organizations, and work experiences, I have demonstrated commitment, responsibility, and the ability to succeed in demanding environments. These achievements reflect the work ethic and determination that I know I can bring to my studies when provided the opportunity to continue my education with appropriate support.
I care deeply about my education and my future. I have invested significant time and effort into my degree, and I remain committed to completing it successfully. With the insight I have gained, the support systems I have established, and the professional help I am now receiving, I am confident that I am in a much stronger position to succeed academically than I was previously.
I respectfully ask the committee to consider my circumstances and grant me another opportunity to continue my studies. I am committed to taking advantage of available academic and wellness resources and to demonstrating the level of performance of which I know I am capable.
Thank you for your time, consideration, and understanding. I appreciate the opportunity to present my appeal and would be grateful for the chance to continue pursuing my education at the university.
Sincerely,
Lauren Lidhar
2022991
I am writing to respectfully appeal my three-year withdrawal and request reconsideration of my academic standing.
Throughout my time at university, my academic performance has been inconsistent, with periods of strong achievement followed by significant academic struggles. While I recognize that my grades have not met the standards expected by the university, I believe my record also demonstrates that I am capable of succeeding academically when I am able to effectively manage the challenges I have been facing.
Over the past several years, I have experienced ongoing family difficulties that have had a substantial impact on my mental health, focus, and academic performance. At the time, I did not fully understand the extent to which these challenges were affecting my ability to learn and perform to my potential. More recently, through therapy and professional support, I have begun to understand that many of the difficulties I have experienced with concentration, organization, task completion, and academic consistency may be related to previously undiagnosed ADHD and high-functioning anxiety. I am currently undergoing the diagnostic process and am awaiting formal assessment results.
These circumstances do not excuse my academic performance, but they do provide important context for the struggles reflected in my transcript. Looking back, I can now see that many of the barriers I faced were related to challenges that had not yet been identified or properly addressed. Since seeking professional support, I have gained a much better understanding of my needs and have begun developing strategies to manage them effectively.
I am prepared to provide supporting documentation from my therapist, as well as documentation regarding my ongoing assessment and diagnostic process. This evidence will demonstrate both the challenges I have been facing and the steps I am actively taking to address them.
I would also like to highlight that my academic record does not fully reflect my abilities or potential. My high school performance demonstrated that I am a capable and motivated student. In addition, outside of the classroom, I have consistently remained engaged in extracurricular activities, leadership roles, and professional experiences. Through my involvement in university clubs, student organizations, and work experiences, I have demonstrated commitment, responsibility, and the ability to succeed in demanding environments. These achievements reflect the work ethic and determination that I know I can bring to my studies when provided the opportunity to continue my education with appropriate support.
I care deeply about my education and my future. I have invested significant time and effort into my degree, and I remain committed to completing it successfully. With the insight I have gained, the support systems I have established, and the professional help I am now receiving, I am confident that I am in a much stronger position to succeed academically than I was previously.
I respectfully ask the committee to consider my circumstances and grant me another opportunity to continue my studies. I am committed to taking advantage of available academic and wellness resources and to demonstrating the level of performance of which I know I am capable.
Thank you for your time, consideration, and understanding. I appreciate the opportunity to present my appeal and would be grateful for the chance to continue pursuing my education at the university.
Sincerely,
Lauren Lidhar
2022991
Academic Plan
Academic Plan: Academic Success Plan:
If my appeal is granted, I am committed to making significant changes to ensure that I am successful academically moving forward. Over the past year, I have spent a lot of time reflecting on the factors that contributed to my academic difficulties and have begun taking steps to address them. My plan is outlined below.
1) Continue attending therapy and complete the ADHD assessment process
I recently started therapy again, and it has helped me better understand some of the challenges I have been experiencing with focus, motivation, organization, and anxiety. I am currently waiting to complete an ADHD assessment and receive a formal diagnosis. Once I receive the results, I will follow any treatment recommendations and continue attending therapy regularly.
2) Register with Accessibility Services if eligible
When I receive an ADHD and/or anxiety diagnosis, I plan to register with Accessibility Services immediately. Throughout my degree, I often struggled with focus, time management, and test-taking, but I did not have access to accommodations because I did not understand the root cause of these challenges. Accessing available supports will help me better manage my coursework and exams.
3) Meet with an academic advisor before and throughout each semester
Rather than trying to navigate challenges on my own, I will schedule meetings with an academic advisor at the beginning of each semester and periodically throughout the year. This will help me stay accountable, monitor my progress, and address concerns before they become larger problems.
4) Create a structured schedule and improve time management
One of my biggest challenges has been procrastination and difficulty staying organized, especially when I feel overwhelmed. To address this, I will:
- Use a digital calendar to track all assignment deadlines, exams, and important dates.
- Plan my week every Sunday evening.
- Break large assignments into smaller tasks with personal deadlines.
- Set aside dedicated study blocks each day.
- Begin assignments earlier instead of waiting until deadlines are approaching.
5) Prioritize academics over extracurricular commitments
During university, I have been highly involved in clubs, leadership positions, and internships because I enjoy being involved in my community and developing professionally. While these experiences have been valuable, I recognize that I need to ensure academics remain my first priority. Before taking on any additional commitments, I will evaluate whether I can realistically balance them with my coursework.
6) Actively seek help when I am struggling
In the past, I often waited too long before asking for help. Moving forward, I will:
- Attend professor and TA office hours regularly.
- Seek clarification when I do not understand course material.
- Use tutoring and academic support services when needed.
- Reach out for assistance as soon as I notice myself falling behind.
7) Maintain healthy habits that support academic success
I have learned that my academic performance is closely connected to my overall well-being. To support my success, I will:
- Maintain a consistent sleep schedule.
- Continue exercising regularly.
- Continue attending therapy.
- Build routines that help reduce stress and improve focus.
- Ensure I have a healthy balance between school, work, family responsibilities, and personal time.
8) Monitor my academic progress throughout the semester
Rather than focusing only on final grades, I will regularly evaluate my performance throughout each semester. This includes reviewing grades as they are returned, identifying areas where I need improvement, and adjusting my study habits accordingly. If I notice I am struggling, I will seek support immediately.
9) Demonstrate my commitment through action
I understand that being granted this appeal would be a privilege and an opportunity that I do not take lightly. My goal is not simply to return to university, but to return with the tools, support systems, and mindset necessary to be successful. I am committed to following this plan, utilizing available resources, and demonstrating through my actions that I am capable of achieving academic success.
I believe my past academic record does not fully reflect my abilities. My strong high school performance, periods of academic success at university, leadership positions, involvement in student organizations, and professional experiences demonstrate my capability and potential. With the support I am now putting in place, I am confident that I can perform at a level that better reflects my abilities and successfully complete my degree.
If my appeal is granted, I am committed to making significant changes to ensure that I am successful academically moving forward. Over the past year, I have spent a lot of time reflecting on the factors that contributed to my academic difficulties and have begun taking steps to address them. My plan is outlined below.
1) Continue attending therapy and complete the ADHD assessment process
I recently started therapy again, and it has helped me better understand some of the challenges I have been experiencing with focus, motivation, organization, and anxiety. I am currently waiting to complete an ADHD assessment and receive a formal diagnosis. Once I receive the results, I will follow any treatment recommendations and continue attending therapy regularly.
2) Register with Accessibility Services if eligible
When I receive an ADHD and/or anxiety diagnosis, I plan to register with Accessibility Services immediately. Throughout my degree, I often struggled with focus, time management, and test-taking, but I did not have access to accommodations because I did not understand the root cause of these challenges. Accessing available supports will help me better manage my coursework and exams.
3) Meet with an academic advisor before and throughout each semester
Rather than trying to navigate challenges on my own, I will schedule meetings with an academic advisor at the beginning of each semester and periodically throughout the year. This will help me stay accountable, monitor my progress, and address concerns before they become larger problems.
4) Create a structured schedule and improve time management
One of my biggest challenges has been procrastination and difficulty staying organized, especially when I feel overwhelmed. To address this, I will:
- Use a digital calendar to track all assignment deadlines, exams, and important dates.
- Plan my week every Sunday evening.
- Break large assignments into smaller tasks with personal deadlines.
- Set aside dedicated study blocks each day.
- Begin assignments earlier instead of waiting until deadlines are approaching.
5) Prioritize academics over extracurricular commitments
During university, I have been highly involved in clubs, leadership positions, and internships because I enjoy being involved in my community and developing professionally. While these experiences have been valuable, I recognize that I need to ensure academics remain my first priority. Before taking on any additional commitments, I will evaluate whether I can realistically balance them with my coursework.
6) Actively seek help when I am struggling
In the past, I often waited too long before asking for help. Moving forward, I will:
- Attend professor and TA office hours regularly.
- Seek clarification when I do not understand course material.
- Use tutoring and academic support services when needed.
- Reach out for assistance as soon as I notice myself falling behind.
7) Maintain healthy habits that support academic success
I have learned that my academic performance is closely connected to my overall well-being. To support my success, I will:
- Maintain a consistent sleep schedule.
- Continue exercising regularly.
- Continue attending therapy.
- Build routines that help reduce stress and improve focus.
- Ensure I have a healthy balance between school, work, family responsibilities, and personal time.
8) Monitor my academic progress throughout the semester
Rather than focusing only on final grades, I will regularly evaluate my performance throughout each semester. This includes reviewing grades as they are returned, identifying areas where I need improvement, and adjusting my study habits accordingly. If I notice I am struggling, I will seek support immediately.
9) Demonstrate my commitment through action
I understand that being granted this appeal would be a privilege and an opportunity that I do not take lightly. My goal is not simply to return to university, but to return with the tools, support systems, and mindset necessary to be successful. I am committed to following this plan, utilizing available resources, and demonstrating through my actions that I am capable of achieving academic success.
I believe my past academic record does not fully reflect my abilities. My strong high school performance, periods of academic success at university, leadership positions, involvement in student organizations, and professional experiences demonstrate my capability and potential. With the support I am now putting in place, I am confident that I can perform at a level that better reflects my abilities and successfully complete my degree.
Documentation
Professional Letter Detail: NO DOC - Doc will be sent to Faculty Office
Decision Letters
History
Originally submitted June 15, 2026 at 10:18:49 PM.
| Field | Reference | Old Value | New Value | Note | User | Date/Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| status | N/A | Received | Incomplete | Kerri Andrews | 2026-06-17 11:52:12 AM | |
| status | N/A | Incomplete | In Review | Kerri Andrews | 2026-06-27 5:48:31 PM | |
| status | N/A | In Review | Denied | Kerri Andrews | 2026-07-03 2:43:45 PM | |
| associate_dean | N/A | Dorit Naaman (Associate Dean Academic) | Kerri Andrews | 2026-07-03 2:43:45 PM | ||
| decision_letter | N/A | N/A | Decision letter sent | Kerri Andrews | 2026-07-03 2:44:51 PM |