Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Megan Schierau
20261404
20mas17@queensu.ca

To whom it may concern,

I am writing to appeal the requirement to withdraw due to my academic standing. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to explain my situation and point of view.

For the duration of December to June, I entered a period of severe mental health issues. This eventually lead to my going home to Toronto in December. I stayed in Toronto with my family for multiple months in order to attempt to help my mental health. While in Toronto, I consulted with mental health professionals and doctors to assist with my health. This absence from school and my focus on recovery caused me to fall behind in my classes.

Upon my return to Kingston, I knew I had fallen behind in classes however I was still enduring severe issues with mental health. I spent the remainder of my first year trying to catch up in my classes and writing my final exams in Kingston, however the pressure of my absences and the need to catch up only exacerbated the severity of my mental health issues.

Unfortunately I was unable to complete my courses to a passing grade due to this, which was extremely disappointing for me. My first year was not a reflection of who I am or how I perform in school, but rather a reflection of the extreme period of mental health issues I was experiencing.

Since my first year at Queens, I have spent time working with my personal doctor as well as Queens Student Wellness to create a plan to keep me on track and allow me to have a successful year. I have also been working with my doctors to ensure my mental health remains stable and I do not get back to a bad place. By using this plan and working with my professors to keep me on track, I am confident I can get back into good academic standing. This program is extremely important to me, as is being a student at Queen's.

I sincerely hope that you will consider my appeal, and the enclosed supporting documentation. Please allow me the chance to continue my studies and demonstrate the changes and progress I have made. Feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns regarding my appeal.