Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: To The Associate Dean,
I am requesting to waive the 21-day appeal deadline due to both physical and psychological extenuating circumstances. The period of time I am looking to appeal is my first year at Queen's University (September 2012- April 2013). Overall, I hope to address why I was unable to make the appeal until now.
I would like to begin by describing the psychological extenuating circumstance. Prior to entering Queen's in 2012, I received a psycho-educational assessment and was diagnosed with a Language based Learning Disability. The diagnosis and accommodations I received were satisfactory for my high school career, however as the demands from being in university increased I found it harder to cope. I did not understand why and as a result was constantly faced with episodes of anxiety and depression. I will continue with the psychological component of this appeal, however would now like to address the physical.
The purpose of waiving the 21-day appeal deadline is to appeal for a credit standing for my courses in my first year, due to a physical extenuating circumstance. Throughout my first year I found myself in chronic pain from an ovarian cyst and this pain impacted my ability to focus on schoolwork. I first noticed this pain a few months before entering Queen's University, however was misdiagnosed with constipation by my pediatrician. The pain persisted and after multiple trips to the emergency room my diagnosis was determined. Unlike most cases seen with ovarian cysts, a right ovarian cystectomy was required, however the soonest this surgery could be done was in June of 2013, after my first year and the regular appeal deadline of concern. As a result, I required further hospitalization to undergo drainage of the cyst trans-abdominally to relieve the pressure and temporarily alleviate the pain until surgery multiple times. Additionally, I was faced with the emotional distress of possibly losing an ovary and undergoing an invasive medical procedure. The surgeon found my right ovary rotated three times and filled with serous fluid. The constant pain, trips to the doctor and home, negatively affected my academic performance.
After completing first year, I felt emotionally defeated. I was very determined to continue staying organized and working hard to the best of my ability for the remainder of my academic career, despite the results I received first year. Due to psychological extenuating circumstances, which I will soon address, I was unable to understand the impact this physiological extenuating circumstance would have on my future endeavors. I was not mentally capable of making the appeal at the appropriate time.
After two years went by, I noticed my academics improve since I was no longer physically in pain. Although it was still not near the level I thought I should be at, which was very frustrating. Before entering fourth year I received another assessment and was diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Predominantly Inattentive Presentation. As well, it was determined I show symptoms of impulsivity, which impact the quality of my daily functioning and academic performance. The lack of pharmacotherapy until fourth year severely impacted my ability to organize and plan. After receiving medication, I finally had a tool to assist me in reaching my academic potential. However, this pill did not change me overnight. I was still in a demanding academic environment and still coping and managing my ADHD, just knew how to do it better. I still face days where I am anxious and depressed, however I am learning and working hard to cope with this.
For this Appeal it states: The student must show that the circumstances were ongoing and prevented him or her from taking any action from the time of the appeal deadline to the time at which the appeal was eventually initiated. Having ADHD has been paralyzing in aspects of my life, and no words can attest to the magnitude of that fact. However, I am now capable of meeting this type of deadline because I am currently treated for my ADHD and have received cognitive and behavioural therapy to manage my anxiety related to my physical illness. I have provided professional documentation to support not only the timeline but that my extenuating circumstances have and are now being medically treated and no longer hinder my academic performance. As a result of both physical and psychological extenuating circumstances, I am requesting to waive the 21-day appeal deadline.

Sincerely,

Andrea Tannis