Manage Appeals
Petition Type: New
ID: 14487
Submitted: June 15, 2026 at 11:09:11 PM
First Name: Caitlin
Last Name: Mara
Pronoun: she/her
Preferred Name: Caitlin
Student Number: 20401844
Email: 22vpg@queensu.ca
Degree Program: BA
Plan: ECON
Level of Study: 3
Petition Categories
Petition Categories: Waive the requirement to withdraw for one year
Petition Letter
Petition Letter: I am writing this letter to respectfully request the withdrawal period be waived due to significant struggles throughout my university time, severely impacting my academic performance. Regardless of my attempts, these extenuating circumstances were largely beyond my control and had a significant influence on my ability to succeed.
My challenges began during first-year, when I sustained a serious concussion weeks before winter term examinations. As a result, I wrote my exams during the May deferral period while still experiencing strong concussion symptoms. The physical and mental effects of the injury significantly impaired my ability to study, retain information, focus and successfully complete the exams to my full potential. Almost all of my courses in first-year were full-year credit courses, which meant the impaired grades had a substantial impact on my GPA and placed me in a difficult academic position to recover from.
Following my concussion, I faced substantial struggles with my mental health. I battled severe anxiety and depression and was also coping with the ongoing effects of a previously diagnosed eating disorder. While I was continuously trying to focus on my academics and regain better academic standing, my mental health difficulties increasingly affected my concentration, motivation, energy levels, and ability to participate or engage fully in my coursework.
During this period, throughout my second year, my living situation turned into a hostile environment, adding to the emotional toll I was experiencing with my mental health. I was isolated, experienced ongoing passive-aggressive behaviour and quite frankly bullied by my roommates. While trying to stay afloat, it resulted in me isolating myself to my room and only leaving when no one else was home to avoid confrontation. This environment significantly worsened my anxiety and depression at a time when I was already struggling.
The impact on my mental health became severe. I experienced intense anxiety that made everyday activities, including leaving my room and attending classes, extremely difficult. I suffered frequent panic attacks, persistent sleep disruption, and a significant loss of appetite. At my lowest point, the chronic stress and anxiety contributed to stress-induced hallucinations. Although I was struggling and at my lowest point, I felt ashamed of myself and found it extremely difficult to seek help or communicate the extent of my difficulties to others. As a result, many of these challenges took up my day-to-day life while my academic performance continued to decline.
Throughout this time, I tried very hard to remain focused on school and improve my academic standing. I did not stop caring about my education or my future, and had added anxiety about my class work and feeling like a failure. However, the combination of my poor mental health, an unstable and toxic living environment, and chronic sleep deprivation created a battle that I was ultimately unable to overcome on my own. By the time I was able to fully recognize the severity of my situation, I had already faced substantial academic setbacks.
Over the past year, I have begun taking meaningful and consistent steps to tackle these challenges. I have sought out professional support and have been attending therapy on a biweekly basis. I have also started treatment with medication to manage my anxiety and depression and have been working actively on improving my sleep through structured sleep training. Strategies I have learned and consistent treatment have allowed me to better understand my mental health, develop coping strategies, and establish support systems that I had previously been missing.
In addition, the circumstances that contributed to much of my distress are no longer being managed alone. I now have professional mental health support, medical treatment, as well as a deeper insight of how to recognize and respond to worsening symptoms before they become overwhelming. I have found a quiet, calm, and academically focused household and have found new relationships with similar goals and good character to surround myself with. This will be one of the most important driving forces to success in continuing my education. As well, I have learned the importance of seeking help early and utilizing available resources rather than attempting to manage serious challenges independently. Along with a recommended treatment plan to support my mental health, I believe and am determined to succeed going forward.
I truthfully recognize the seriousness of my academic record and take full responsibility for my education. However, I respectfully ask the Committee to consider the substantial impact that extenuating circumstances played in my academic difficulties. My concussion, severe mental health challenges, and hostile living environment created barriers that substantially impaired my ability to succeed academically despite my genuine efforts.
I am deeply committed to completing my degree and believe that the treatment, support systems, and coping strategies I have now established place me in a much stronger position to achieve academic success moving forward.
My challenges began during first-year, when I sustained a serious concussion weeks before winter term examinations. As a result, I wrote my exams during the May deferral period while still experiencing strong concussion symptoms. The physical and mental effects of the injury significantly impaired my ability to study, retain information, focus and successfully complete the exams to my full potential. Almost all of my courses in first-year were full-year credit courses, which meant the impaired grades had a substantial impact on my GPA and placed me in a difficult academic position to recover from.
Following my concussion, I faced substantial struggles with my mental health. I battled severe anxiety and depression and was also coping with the ongoing effects of a previously diagnosed eating disorder. While I was continuously trying to focus on my academics and regain better academic standing, my mental health difficulties increasingly affected my concentration, motivation, energy levels, and ability to participate or engage fully in my coursework.
During this period, throughout my second year, my living situation turned into a hostile environment, adding to the emotional toll I was experiencing with my mental health. I was isolated, experienced ongoing passive-aggressive behaviour and quite frankly bullied by my roommates. While trying to stay afloat, it resulted in me isolating myself to my room and only leaving when no one else was home to avoid confrontation. This environment significantly worsened my anxiety and depression at a time when I was already struggling.
The impact on my mental health became severe. I experienced intense anxiety that made everyday activities, including leaving my room and attending classes, extremely difficult. I suffered frequent panic attacks, persistent sleep disruption, and a significant loss of appetite. At my lowest point, the chronic stress and anxiety contributed to stress-induced hallucinations. Although I was struggling and at my lowest point, I felt ashamed of myself and found it extremely difficult to seek help or communicate the extent of my difficulties to others. As a result, many of these challenges took up my day-to-day life while my academic performance continued to decline.
Throughout this time, I tried very hard to remain focused on school and improve my academic standing. I did not stop caring about my education or my future, and had added anxiety about my class work and feeling like a failure. However, the combination of my poor mental health, an unstable and toxic living environment, and chronic sleep deprivation created a battle that I was ultimately unable to overcome on my own. By the time I was able to fully recognize the severity of my situation, I had already faced substantial academic setbacks.
Over the past year, I have begun taking meaningful and consistent steps to tackle these challenges. I have sought out professional support and have been attending therapy on a biweekly basis. I have also started treatment with medication to manage my anxiety and depression and have been working actively on improving my sleep through structured sleep training. Strategies I have learned and consistent treatment have allowed me to better understand my mental health, develop coping strategies, and establish support systems that I had previously been missing.
In addition, the circumstances that contributed to much of my distress are no longer being managed alone. I now have professional mental health support, medical treatment, as well as a deeper insight of how to recognize and respond to worsening symptoms before they become overwhelming. I have found a quiet, calm, and academically focused household and have found new relationships with similar goals and good character to surround myself with. This will be one of the most important driving forces to success in continuing my education. As well, I have learned the importance of seeking help early and utilizing available resources rather than attempting to manage serious challenges independently. Along with a recommended treatment plan to support my mental health, I believe and am determined to succeed going forward.
I truthfully recognize the seriousness of my academic record and take full responsibility for my education. However, I respectfully ask the Committee to consider the substantial impact that extenuating circumstances played in my academic difficulties. My concussion, severe mental health challenges, and hostile living environment created barriers that substantially impaired my ability to succeed academically despite my genuine efforts.
I am deeply committed to completing my degree and believe that the treatment, support systems, and coping strategies I have now established place me in a much stronger position to achieve academic success moving forward.
Academic Plan
Academic Plan: My goal is to return to strong academic standing and complete my degree. Through reflection on the factors that have impacted my academic performance, I have constructed a realistic plan that addresses both my academic pathway and my personal wellbeing. This plan continues with the changes I have already made and the strategies I will be implementing moving forward to ensure academic success.
Course of Study
I wish to continue studying under the Bachelor of Arts (General) in Economics. I have been able to recover grades in economics courses that improve my education and well-being by growing my interest and knowledge. I understand the importance of rebuilding my academic standing and have reviewed my academic progress to identify the courses required to complete my degree. As part of my recovery plan, I will retake courses that have previously impacted my academic standing negatively. This includes a couple of courses that are foundational to my program, and I recognize that strengthening my understanding of this material is essential for future academic success. Retaking these courses will allow me to demonstrate my true academic ability in a more stable and supported environment, while also improving my cumulative GPA and following degree requirements. As well, I will consult academic advisory to help shape my schedule to ensure I am completing degree requisites and ensure that my course selection is appropriate, manageable and that I am capable of succeeding.
Workload Management
In previous years, I have identified that I have stretched myself too thin throughout the year, by trying to juggle working, my academics as well as my personal well-being. Moving forward, I will prioritize my academic success and wellbeing by not working during the academic year. Eliminating this extra stressor and commitment will allow me to fully dedicate my time and energy to coursework, studying, attending classes, and maintaining my mental health treatment plan. I will also carefully monitor my course load each term to ensure that I am not overextending myself or reaching a level of burnout. Where necessary, I will seek guidance from academic advisors to maintain a balanced and sustainable workload.
Management of Extenuating Circumstances
My academic performance was significantly affected by a combination of severe mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, stress-induced insomnia, and the ongoing effects of a previously diagnosed eating disorder. These challenges developed and intensified over time and had a substantial impact on my ability to concentrate, attend classes consistently, and complete academic work as well as take care of myself physically. I have started to address these barriers and build long-term stability. I currently attend therapy sessions, which have helped me develop healthier coping strategies and improve emotional regulation. I will continue this therapy throughout my studies, reassessing frequently about the regularity of sessions and meetings. I have also begun prescribed medication for anxiety and depression under medical supervision. This treatment has provided increased stability and has helped reduce the severity of symptoms that previously interfered with my academic functioning. While attempting to find the correct dosage, I believe I am at a stable point where I can manage my anxiety and depression, and return to normal functioning. I have also implemented structured sleep management strategies to address stress-induced insomnia, which has improved my ability to maintain consistent daily functioning and academic focus. I will continue to actively engage in all recommended treatments and maintain regular communication with healthcare professionals to ensure ongoing stability and support
Living Situation and Relationships
A major factor contributing to my academic difficulties was my previous living environment, which was highly stressful and emotionally challenging. The hostility and toxicity within the household significantly worsened my anxiety and depression and contributed to my isolation and academic decline. This situation has now changed. I have moved into a new house where I live with academically focused and respectful roommates. My current living environment is calm, stable, and supportive, which has significantly reduced a major source of stress that previously impacted my mental health and pushes me to succeed academically. This change will allow me to focus more effectively on my studies and maintain healthier routines, in a stress free environment where I am able to move freely without additional emotional turmoil.
Strategies
Additionally, I plan to implement the following strategies:
- Attend all lecture classes and actively engage with course material
- Utilize professor office hours and TA assistance to ensure I fully understand the material, as well as build relationships to keep me on track
- Develop and maintain a structured weekly study schedule to improve organization and time management
- Begin assignments and exam preparation early to reduce stress and improve academic performance
- Retake previously failed or low-performing courses to strengthen my academic foundation and improve my GPA
- Seek academic support early if I encounter difficulty, rather than delaying assistance
- Regularly assess my academic progress and adjust my strategies as needed throughout the term
- Take advantage of university run assistance programs like SASS and study groups
- Re-meet with the accommodations staff to fully understand my options to support my diagnosis rather than be embarrassed to acknowledge it
- Explore tutor opportunities through ASUS peer tutoring
- Continue to use the on-campus mental health resources and therapy available to me where it is accessible.
Course of Study
I wish to continue studying under the Bachelor of Arts (General) in Economics. I have been able to recover grades in economics courses that improve my education and well-being by growing my interest and knowledge. I understand the importance of rebuilding my academic standing and have reviewed my academic progress to identify the courses required to complete my degree. As part of my recovery plan, I will retake courses that have previously impacted my academic standing negatively. This includes a couple of courses that are foundational to my program, and I recognize that strengthening my understanding of this material is essential for future academic success. Retaking these courses will allow me to demonstrate my true academic ability in a more stable and supported environment, while also improving my cumulative GPA and following degree requirements. As well, I will consult academic advisory to help shape my schedule to ensure I am completing degree requisites and ensure that my course selection is appropriate, manageable and that I am capable of succeeding.
Workload Management
In previous years, I have identified that I have stretched myself too thin throughout the year, by trying to juggle working, my academics as well as my personal well-being. Moving forward, I will prioritize my academic success and wellbeing by not working during the academic year. Eliminating this extra stressor and commitment will allow me to fully dedicate my time and energy to coursework, studying, attending classes, and maintaining my mental health treatment plan. I will also carefully monitor my course load each term to ensure that I am not overextending myself or reaching a level of burnout. Where necessary, I will seek guidance from academic advisors to maintain a balanced and sustainable workload.
Management of Extenuating Circumstances
My academic performance was significantly affected by a combination of severe mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, stress-induced insomnia, and the ongoing effects of a previously diagnosed eating disorder. These challenges developed and intensified over time and had a substantial impact on my ability to concentrate, attend classes consistently, and complete academic work as well as take care of myself physically. I have started to address these barriers and build long-term stability. I currently attend therapy sessions, which have helped me develop healthier coping strategies and improve emotional regulation. I will continue this therapy throughout my studies, reassessing frequently about the regularity of sessions and meetings. I have also begun prescribed medication for anxiety and depression under medical supervision. This treatment has provided increased stability and has helped reduce the severity of symptoms that previously interfered with my academic functioning. While attempting to find the correct dosage, I believe I am at a stable point where I can manage my anxiety and depression, and return to normal functioning. I have also implemented structured sleep management strategies to address stress-induced insomnia, which has improved my ability to maintain consistent daily functioning and academic focus. I will continue to actively engage in all recommended treatments and maintain regular communication with healthcare professionals to ensure ongoing stability and support
Living Situation and Relationships
A major factor contributing to my academic difficulties was my previous living environment, which was highly stressful and emotionally challenging. The hostility and toxicity within the household significantly worsened my anxiety and depression and contributed to my isolation and academic decline. This situation has now changed. I have moved into a new house where I live with academically focused and respectful roommates. My current living environment is calm, stable, and supportive, which has significantly reduced a major source of stress that previously impacted my mental health and pushes me to succeed academically. This change will allow me to focus more effectively on my studies and maintain healthier routines, in a stress free environment where I am able to move freely without additional emotional turmoil.
Strategies
Additionally, I plan to implement the following strategies:
- Attend all lecture classes and actively engage with course material
- Utilize professor office hours and TA assistance to ensure I fully understand the material, as well as build relationships to keep me on track
- Develop and maintain a structured weekly study schedule to improve organization and time management
- Begin assignments and exam preparation early to reduce stress and improve academic performance
- Retake previously failed or low-performing courses to strengthen my academic foundation and improve my GPA
- Seek academic support early if I encounter difficulty, rather than delaying assistance
- Regularly assess my academic progress and adjust my strategies as needed throughout the term
- Take advantage of university run assistance programs like SASS and study groups
- Re-meet with the accommodations staff to fully understand my options to support my diagnosis rather than be embarrassed to acknowledge it
- Explore tutor opportunities through ASUS peer tutoring
- Continue to use the on-campus mental health resources and therapy available to me where it is accessible.
Documentation
Professional Letter Detail: NO DOC (sent separately)
Documentation Detail: My documentation will be sent separately to the Faculty Office. Doctors letter, Psychiatrist Diagnosis
Decision Letters
Level 1 Status
Status: DeniedLevel 2
Appeal Type: Level 2
ID: 380
Submitted: July 22, 2026 at 10:07:00 PM
Relevant Petition: 14487
Decision(s) Being Appealed: Waive the requirement to withdraw for one year
Appeal Grounds
Appeals to the Board of Studies must include a letter based on one or more of the Grounds for Appeal (Appeal Regulation 3.4). What are the grounds you are basing your appeal on?
- The Associate Dean's decision did not follow the rules of procedural fairness. A breach of procedural fairness includes such things as the Associate Dean failed to:
- Make a reasonable decision in your appeal. A “reasonable” decision is one that is based on evidence, thought out and supported by facts and logical inferences from the facts. To be reasonable, the decision must contain adequate reasons for the conclusions.
Appeal Grounds Details: I am appealing this decision, with guidance from the appeals team to provide supporting documentation. The supporting medical documentation originally submitted did not reflect my circumstances due to delays outside of my control. With a mixup between my physician, documentation was not provided originally, resulting in incomplete information being available when my case was assessed. I have since gathered the appropriate medical documentation, which accurately outlines my situation and provides the evidence that was unavailable at the time of the original decision. I respectfully request that this new information be considered towards my appeal.
Appeal Letter
Appeal Letter: I respectfully submit this appeal requesting that the decision to deny my petition to waive the Requirement to Withdraw for One Year be reconsidered with support of medical documentation that was unavailable at the time of the original review. I understand and appreciate the consideration given to my initial petition, and I acknowledge that the decision was based on the evidence that was available. However, as outlined in the Associate Dean's decision letter, the primary reason my petition was denied was the absence of supporting medical documentation providing evidence of the impact of my extenuating circumstances on my academic performance. I am now able to provide that documentation and hopefully request that it be considered as part of this appeal.
At the time of my original petition, I made every effort to obtain the required documentation. Unfortunately, due to a misunderstanding with my physician's office, the documentation was not completed and submitted in time for my petition. This was outside of my control and resulted in my petition being assessed without the evidence needed to prove my circumstances. The lack of this documentation did not reflect an absence of legitimate medical concerns, but rather an administrative issue that prevented the necessary information from being submitted during the initial review. I have since worked with my physician and their office to be able to submit this documentation for review.
The Associate Dean's decision acknowledges that I experienced multiple extenuating circumstances during the Winter 2024 term and throughout the 2025–2026 academic year and recognizes that these circumstances affected my well-being as well as heavily impacting my academic performance. The decision also acknowledges that some of these circumstances have now been supported through several different resources and that I am receiving professional health-care support. I appreciate this recognition, as it reflects that the seriousness of my situation was understood. However, the decision ultimately decided that my petition did not meet the required standard because there was no documentation verifying the impact of these circumstances on my academic performance.
The medical documentation I am now submitting directly addresses these concerns. It provides professional confirmation of the nature, and impact of my circumstances. It also supports that these circumstances impaired my ability to make academic decisions, including withdrawing from courses within the required deadlines. This information was unavailable when my original petition was reviewed and directly addresses the gap identified in the decision letter.
In addition, the documentation confirms that I have taken meaningful steps toward recovery and management of my circumstances. I continue to receive appropriate medical support, and the factors that contributed to my academic difficulties are being effectively managed. I have reflected extensively on the challenges I experienced and have developed strategies to ensure that I am better equipped to succeed academically moving forward. My intention is to return to my studies with the stability, support, and resources necessary to meet the University's academic expectations.
I fully understand the purpose of the Requirement to Withdraw policy and appreciate the University's responsibility to uphold academic standards. My appeal is not intended to challenge those standards but rather to demonstrate that my academic performance was affected beyond my control at the time. I respectfully submit that my appeal now satisfies the requirements outlined in the Academic Petitions and Appeals Regulations by providing the documentation that was previously missing.
I sincerely ask the Appeals Committee to consider this new evidence and reassess my petition. I believe that the documentation now provides the information that the Associate Dean identified as necessary to evaluate my case fully and fairly. I remain committed to my education and am confident that, with my circumstances now stabilized and appropriate support in place, I will be able to return to my studies successfully.
Thank you for taking the time to review my appeal and the accompanying documentation. I appreciate the consideration of my circumstances.
At the time of my original petition, I made every effort to obtain the required documentation. Unfortunately, due to a misunderstanding with my physician's office, the documentation was not completed and submitted in time for my petition. This was outside of my control and resulted in my petition being assessed without the evidence needed to prove my circumstances. The lack of this documentation did not reflect an absence of legitimate medical concerns, but rather an administrative issue that prevented the necessary information from being submitted during the initial review. I have since worked with my physician and their office to be able to submit this documentation for review.
The Associate Dean's decision acknowledges that I experienced multiple extenuating circumstances during the Winter 2024 term and throughout the 2025–2026 academic year and recognizes that these circumstances affected my well-being as well as heavily impacting my academic performance. The decision also acknowledges that some of these circumstances have now been supported through several different resources and that I am receiving professional health-care support. I appreciate this recognition, as it reflects that the seriousness of my situation was understood. However, the decision ultimately decided that my petition did not meet the required standard because there was no documentation verifying the impact of these circumstances on my academic performance.
The medical documentation I am now submitting directly addresses these concerns. It provides professional confirmation of the nature, and impact of my circumstances. It also supports that these circumstances impaired my ability to make academic decisions, including withdrawing from courses within the required deadlines. This information was unavailable when my original petition was reviewed and directly addresses the gap identified in the decision letter.
In addition, the documentation confirms that I have taken meaningful steps toward recovery and management of my circumstances. I continue to receive appropriate medical support, and the factors that contributed to my academic difficulties are being effectively managed. I have reflected extensively on the challenges I experienced and have developed strategies to ensure that I am better equipped to succeed academically moving forward. My intention is to return to my studies with the stability, support, and resources necessary to meet the University's academic expectations.
I fully understand the purpose of the Requirement to Withdraw policy and appreciate the University's responsibility to uphold academic standards. My appeal is not intended to challenge those standards but rather to demonstrate that my academic performance was affected beyond my control at the time. I respectfully submit that my appeal now satisfies the requirements outlined in the Academic Petitions and Appeals Regulations by providing the documentation that was previously missing.
I sincerely ask the Appeals Committee to consider this new evidence and reassess my petition. I believe that the documentation now provides the information that the Associate Dean identified as necessary to evaluate my case fully and fairly. I remain committed to my education and am confident that, with my circumstances now stabilized and appropriate support in place, I will be able to return to my studies successfully.
Thank you for taking the time to review my appeal and the accompanying documentation. I appreciate the consideration of my circumstances.
Documentation
Document: Dr.Esufali Letter-0.pdf
Document: Dr.Jake.Joonki.Hong-0.pdf
I plan to submit additional documentation at a later date: Further documentation on timeline and imapct from physician in the next week
History
Originally submitted June 15, 2026 at 11:09:11 PM.
| Field | Reference | Old Value | New Value | Note | User | Date/Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| status | N/A | Received | Incomplete | Kerri Andrews | 2026-06-17 12:02:31 PM | |
| status | N/A | Incomplete | In Review | Kerri Andrews | 2026-06-27 6:06:41 PM | |
| status | N/A | In Review | Denied | Kerri Andrews | 2026-07-03 2:49:05 PM | |
| associate_dean | N/A | Dorit Naaman (Associate Dean Academic) | Kerri Andrews | 2026-07-03 2:49:05 PM | ||
| decision_letter | N/A | N/A | Decision letter sent | Kerri Andrews | 2026-07-03 2:50:16 PM | |
| new_appeal_level_2 | N/A | Level 2 | Level 2 Appeal ID: 380 | 22vpg | 2026-07-22 10:07:00 PM | |
| status | N/A | Received | In Review | Kathrine Scott | 2026-07-27 9:50:05 AM |