Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: To: The Associate Dean (Studies),

I am appealing to Wave the 21-day/one term appeal deadline.

I have struggled with undiagnosed ADHD. During the academic calendar year of 2009, I was unable to cope with my circumstances anymore. I developed serious personal issues, which consumed much of my energy and made it impossible to complete my studies. These extenuating circumstances include major depressive episodes, anxiety, and executive function impairment. My ability to achieve academically was greatly diminished and I struggled without proper supports. My delay in appealing to Wave the 21-day deadline is a direct result of my impairments.

The timeline of events started in the Fall of 2009. I had domestic issues with my partner, and interpersonal issues related to my housemates. I lost the support network I had built up in Kingston. These stressors, on top of my academics, began a period of intense psychological challenge. Initially I did not seek help for these significant psychological events. I failed to recognize my situation as major depression. My mental health deteriorated and I became isolated. I was unable to focus on academic pursuits, and mentally withdrew from all academic life. I did not attend classes, and was incapable of completing readings or maintaining good study habits. In the 2010 Winter term I first sought out counselling with the Queen¿¿s Student Health Center. Due to infrequent appointment availability, and my diminished psychological state, I did not receive adequate intervention. In the Fall of 2010 my circumstances remained unchanged. I again sought out counselling with the Queen¿¿s Student Health Center; however it was too infrequent. I was physically and mentally stagnant. I did briefly take action in an attempt to resolve my housing arrangement. I broke my lease obligations, and moved into a sublet for the upcoming Winter term. At this stage I was no longer the same person as when I first attended Queen¿¿s. I was suffering from major depression, anxiety, and essentially no longer functional. My parents decided in Winter 2011 that I should leave Queen¿¿s and move back to Vancouver. In Vancouver I began to receive regular counselling. I was placed on medications, and showed minor progress. I was pressured into taking Queen¿¿s distance studies courses during the Summer of 2011. This attempt was premature. Attempting to stabilize my psychological state consumed all my energy; and it was again impossible to complete my studies. These years are not reflective of myself or my true academic abilities. The following year was very difficult for myself and my family. I was unemployed, without counselling, on and off medications, and endured the death of a close family member.

In the spring of 2012 I began seeing a psychiatrist. It became clear I needed to gain emotional distance from the above circumstances; and I delayed my return to academics at Queen¿¿s. Going forward I made incremental improvements in all areas of my life. I contacted academic advisors in 2015 to discuss the status of my degree. I returned to studies for the 2015 Spring/Summer term; and successfully completed two distance studies courses. This indicated that I was capable of future academic success. In September I attended a private programming school in Vancouver. In January 2016, I also successfully completed that academic pursuit. However, in that full-time program I encountered some issues with mental health and functional impairment. My psychological challenges were not yet resolved. Through my family doctor I was placed on waitlist to see a psychiatrist. During the waiting period I focused my energy on employment and managing my mental health. In Spring 2017 I was accepted to the HOPE Center clinic. I regularly attended cognitive behavioural therapy, and have been diagnosed with ADHD.

My present circumstances are greatly improved compared to those of the 2009/2010 academic year. I have struggled with undiagnosed ADHD and comorbid depression. Since my diagnosis, I have fully managed the extenuating circumstances which lead to my delay in submitting this appeal. I am moving forward from past psychological events. Since my successful academic pursuits of 2015, my life has taken on a new momentum. I have volunteered for the past two years with Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue. I have developed deep personal relationships, and found career successes. I am a well rounded, proactive, and responsible individual. In writing this appeal I have confronted a difficult past in an effort to unlock my potential. Today I have in place the necessary support network, medications, life experience, and executive functioning skills necessary to succeed. If my appeal to Wave the 21-day deadline is granted I intended to appeal to drop several courses from my transcript. My future academic goal is to improve my GPA and complete a B.A. from Queen¿¿s University. I will achieve this by taking a light course load, utilizing the Student Academic Success Services, and managing my ADHD. I am determined to go on to achieve academic success.

Sincerely,
Patrick Sawtell
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