Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: To whom it may concern,

My name is Nicholas Davison, and I was a student between 2011-2014 in the computing program. I am appealing to have my final grades from that time changed to No-grades. Initially I must appeal to waive the 21-day and one term deadlines.

I do this on the basis that I was suffering from chronic depression, an illness I still live with today. From the moment I enrolled in classes at Queen's University in my first year, I lacked any sort of motivation or concentration, and I struggled to understand why this was the case. I visited Queen;s University wellness counselors on 12 separate occasions between 2011-2014, yet I still struggled to comprehend why I constantly felt so low. I was never referred to a specialist until I visited career services at Queen's University in 2015. My monetary situation changed from first year to second year and I was responsible for finically supporting myself. I understand and recognize that this is not an extenuating circumstance, however this finical burden was an unexpected stressor on me at the time. In the winter of 2014, I could no longer afford tuition alongside rent and left the school altogether, in the middle of the semester. I recognize this sudden departure should have been handled better and accept responsibility for not handling this situation better.

After my departure I continued to live in Kingston for two years, until I moved to Toronto in 2016. I began speaking with a psychotherapist, and they strongly recommended I see a medical professional to assist me in dealing with depression. I sought the help of Dr. Abishek Raut -who is now my family doctor- in Toronto and they agreed with the psychotherapist that I had been suffering from depression for the majority of my life. They prescribed me two separate antidepressants and I have been taking them since. The medicine has helped me tremendously, and I am hoping to turn a new leaf by going back to school and continuing my education.

Although I acknowledge my own shortcomings, my mental illness was a major contributor to my unsuccessful tenure at Queen's University. It prevented me from making lasting connections with any of my peers and hindered me in absorbing important information being given by my professors. I've spent the last year in Toronto working to pay off what remained of my financial debt to Queen's University. I am currently enrolled in Distance Studies, and maintaining a 90 average. As I have grown as a person, I have learned that my time at Queen's University from 2011-2014 is not indicative of who I am as a student or a person. I hope you are able to recognize this as well. My illness hindered my ability to succeed but I am now more equipped to deal with this illness and I hope you will allow me to prove this and rectify myself.

Thank you,

Nicholas Davison
10001243
0nad@queensu.ca

P.S. I have spoken to the Queen's Health and Wellness services, to obtain records of my prior visits to them. I spoke with 12 different counselors over my time at Queen's. I am currently waiting to receive letters of support and documentation from them, and it has been a lengthy process.