Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Dr. Jenn Stephenson
Associate Dean (Academic)

Dear Dr. Stephenson, thank you for taking the time to read this appeal. My name is Mike Morris, I am a former undergrad student who is hoping to return to studies this fall. I have submitted my RTS form, and am now appealing to you to have some of my past courses 1) dropped late, and 2) amended to Credit Standing status. I will provide a list of the courses in question below (I seem to have exceeded the amount enterable in the form). In this letter I hope to convince you that extenuating circumstances caused my past poor academic performance, and that I am taking proactive steps to assure success in the future.

To begin, I have two diagnosed conditions which are the extenuating circumstances that negatively impacted my academic progress: Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia) and ADHD. I've been aware of the former since roughly 2007, the latter I only received my diagnosis this February. These conditions, when untreated, made it exceedingly difficult to succeed academically.

While I was at Queen's I engaged a doctor through the school as a stipulation of returning to studies after a requirement to withdraw. The doctor prescribed me an SSRI, and I also attended meetings with a counselor for some time. None of this was effective. My mood didn't improve, and with few exceptions my academic performance didn't either. From then until very recently I sought no treatment and took no medication. By 2011 I felt hopeless, ceased enrolling in classes, and gave up on academics entirely.

Between 2012 and 2019 I pursued a career in business. I was moderately successful but clearly not giving it my all (performance reviews often cited my lack of drive, initiative, etc). At this point my mood was extremely low and I resigned my position. By now my family doctor had tried me on a couple compounds but nothing had been successful. Encouraged by my parents, I sought therapy, which has been enormously helpful.

In June of last year my GP referred me to a psychiatrist. Through some trial and error, we have found a combination of medications which have vastly improved my ability to cope with the depression, apply myself to tasks, and most important for me, focus. By late February of this year I was prescribed Vyvanse (Lisdexamfetamine). This was an absolute game changer. Prior to taking medication for the ADHD I had no intention to ever return to studies, as I didn't think I had the ability to put in the required effort. Now, four months in, I feel like I can work as well as any other student. What I thought was laziness, it now seems, is simply a chemical defect, easily remedied.

Why didn't I appeal these courses earlier The first reason, as stated above, is that I felt hopelessly unable to succeed. What's the point if I can't commit to the work The second is that I never knew this was an option. Until just recently I had neither spoken with an academic advisor nor taken advantage of any of the resources available to me. The problems that caused my poor performance in the first place were the same problems that prevented me seeking an appeal.

How can I guarantee success if I am to return to studies I have three tools which will provide a strong foundation. The first is chemical. I'll continue with my prescribed medications which improve my mood, work ethic, and focus. The second is support. I will continue meeting with my counselor twice weekly as I have for the last year. Third, time management and organization. For the past four months I've laid out daily schedules of wake-ups, academic reading, exercise, etc. Since implementing this strategy my productivity has been incredible (at least by my standards).

Thank you so much for considering my appeal. If any clarification is needed, I am available any time. I have requested documentation from my three doctors (GP, psychiatrist, and psychologist) which I will include when provided.

Best regards,
Mike Morris
Student 05299105
mike@mmorris.ca
(647) 781-2570

COURSE TERM GRADE REQUEST NOTES
GRMN101 3.0 2005F 54 CR
PHIL158 3.0 2005F 58 CR
ENGL110 6.0 2005FW 50 CR
HIST125 6.0 2005FW 58 CR
POLS110 6.0 2005FW 34 LATE DROP
FREN102 3.0 2006W 55 CR
PHYSP15 3.0 2006W 39 LATE DROP
CISCP81 3.0 2007W 48 LATE DROP
PHIL154 3.0 2007W NW LATE DROP
PHIL157 3.0 2007W NW LATE DROP
CDNS200 6.0 2007FW 58 CR
HIST121 6.0 2007FW 48 LATE DROP
HIST122 6.0 2007FW 33 LATE DROP
HIST124 6.0 2007FW 36 LATE DROP
RELS131 6.0 2007FW NW LATE DROP
HIST246 3.0 2010W 53 CR 1
HIST250 6.0 2010FW 22 LATE DROP 1, 2
HIST218 3.0 2011F F LATE DROP 2
RELS210 3.0 2011F F LATE DROP

1 Why didn't I succeed in these while passing other courses taken at the same time In my earlier years one setback in a course would cause me to give up on every course. Later, I was able to compartmentalize those feelings better and continue in one course while abandoning others.
2 I would like to take these courses again if possible.