Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Connor McVay
558 Princess Street, Apt. 3
Kingston, Ontario
K7L 1C7
July 26th, 2016


Dr. Johanne Benard
Associate Dean of Admissions, Recruitment and Studies
Queen's University
Dunning Hall, 94 University Ave.
Kingston, Ontario
K7L 3N6

Dear Dr. Johanne Benard:

Re: Connor McVay, Student 10148959

I am requesting an appeal for late withdrawal for a course that I am currently enrolled in for Summer 2016, as well as courses that I failed to complete during the most recent Fall and Winter sessions. I am appealing to drop English 200, History of Literature in English that I am currently enrolled in for the Summer 2016 session. I am also requesting to appeal courses from Winter 2016, CLST 201 and ENG 277 and from Fall 2015, ENG 274 and FILM 206.
I am requesting this appeal based on personal and health circumstances which have affected my academic performance for the last eight months. On July 14th I met with a doctor at the Student Wellness Centre at Queens University. Upon review of my current health situation the doctor determined that I have been suffering from health circumstances which have had a negative impact on my overall health and well being as well as my academic performance for the last eight month period starting December, 2015. As a result of these deficiencies in my physical and mental health I have been unable to fulfill the work, focus and attention to the courses that I have been enrolled in. On July 22nd, 2016 I met with Joyce Hunter, Academic Counselling Services Manager and provided her with a copy of a letter from Dr. Nguyen of Queen's Student Wellness. In order to deal with this recent diagnosis, I have set up regular meetings with a health professional and mental health counsellor for the summer and fall of 2016.
In January of 2013 I was diagnosed with Inattentive subtype, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder through completion of a Psycho-Educational Evaluation. The doctor stated that the symptoms of the disorder appear to be heightened when I am nervous or anxious. I feel that the events in my personal life have heightened my levels of anxiety, causing me a high level of inattention, distractibility and ability to concentrate.
My academic performance has been very inconsistent. I have been successful in some courses achieving good results, while in others I have struggled. I had not brought this assessment forward earlier to Queens University because I thought that I could effectively manage my own stress and anxiety. I realize at this time that I need assistance to be successful at school. In order to effectively deal with my assessment of ADHD, Inattention, I have met with the Disability Counsellor at Queens University. He has reviewed my psycho-educational evaluation and has approved accomodations that will assist me with my studies moving forward. I have set regular appointments with him to review my progress and ensure that the accomdations are helpful to address the challenges that I face in the classroom and with my studies.
I have established a plan to assist me in achieving academic success for the future. I am appealing to drop the English course that I am currently enrolled in as well as English courses that I failed during the 2015/2016 school year. I intend to change my areas of study and will no longer pursue a minor in English. My continued area of study will be Bachelor of Arts, Honours Film. I have re-enrolled in Film 206 for the fall, I propose to retake this course to make up the credit for my film major. I have regular appointments set up with a doctor, mental health counsellor and disability counsellor and will continue to meet with them regularly through the upcoming school year. The academic accomodations that have been put in place, as well as health and mental health counselling will help me to achieve a consistent level of academic success.
Thank you for consideration of my requests. I look forward to hearing from you, and plan to work effectively to be a successful Queen's University Graduate.
Sincerely,
Connor McVay