Petition Letter
Dear Dr. Stephenson, Associate Dean (Academic) Queen’s University,
I am petitioning the faculty’s decision that I must withdraw from Queen’s for a minimum of one year.
I have had a very tough time academically at Queen’s due to my struggles with mental health, the passing of a family member, and worsening chronic health conditions of other family members. These events combined with me constantly trying to take too many classes normally ended up with me being overwhelmed and exacerbated my mental health condition. However, for numerous reasons I believe I am equipped to succeed in my studies this upcoming year and am hoping to be ready to graduate at the end of the next summer semester.
I have recently gotten a new family doctor and have felt very supported by her. I have been doing very well, and I have come off medication that I have been taking for 5-6 years. It has been a few months off my medication now and I have been doing exceptionally well. I have learned more to lean on my various support systems, and I am much more comfortable speaking about my mental health and receiving support for it if necessary. I believe that with this support even if my condition worsens, I will finally feel comfortable seeking the help I require before it majorly impacts my studies.
I have come up with what I believe is a very manageable plan for my academic future and thoroughly believe I will be able to complete it and graduate next year. I am much better at recognizing my own limitations and am planning to take reduced course loads, so I do not get overwhelmed and worsen my mental health. In the 2025 winter semester I completed my first course in many years and was very proud. I am currently taking another course this summer and will be planning to take a reduced course load of 3 courses and 4 courses in the fall and winter semester.
I do also feel it is pertinent to mention that I also submitted a petition to drop my fall courses after the deadline due to extenuating circumstances I experienced in the fall term. The petition number is 13203. The reason I bring this up is because without those courses I will have only taken 12 units since my last evaluation. I hope this can be considered as I should be below the 18 units still for revaluation. I am certain that if given the chance to attend Queen’s next year that I will be able to raise my GPA to a respectable level and complete my degree.
The biggest detriment to my academic career at Queen’s has been my mental health and my aversion and fear of speaking about it and receiving help. I finally feel that I have a doctor who is supportive of my mental health, and I have been doing exceptionally well. I plan to continue meeting with her regularly throughout the year to ensure my wellbeing and capability to continue my studies. I also have a larger support network now to help me with my condition. If given the opportunity to continue next year at Queen’s I know I will be able to focus on my studies and put in the work required to complete my degree.
Thank you so much for your time and consideration in this matter,
Austin Stadel
I am petitioning the faculty’s decision that I must withdraw from Queen’s for a minimum of one year.
I have had a very tough time academically at Queen’s due to my struggles with mental health, the passing of a family member, and worsening chronic health conditions of other family members. These events combined with me constantly trying to take too many classes normally ended up with me being overwhelmed and exacerbated my mental health condition. However, for numerous reasons I believe I am equipped to succeed in my studies this upcoming year and am hoping to be ready to graduate at the end of the next summer semester.
I have recently gotten a new family doctor and have felt very supported by her. I have been doing very well, and I have come off medication that I have been taking for 5-6 years. It has been a few months off my medication now and I have been doing exceptionally well. I have learned more to lean on my various support systems, and I am much more comfortable speaking about my mental health and receiving support for it if necessary. I believe that with this support even if my condition worsens, I will finally feel comfortable seeking the help I require before it majorly impacts my studies.
I have come up with what I believe is a very manageable plan for my academic future and thoroughly believe I will be able to complete it and graduate next year. I am much better at recognizing my own limitations and am planning to take reduced course loads, so I do not get overwhelmed and worsen my mental health. In the 2025 winter semester I completed my first course in many years and was very proud. I am currently taking another course this summer and will be planning to take a reduced course load of 3 courses and 4 courses in the fall and winter semester.
I do also feel it is pertinent to mention that I also submitted a petition to drop my fall courses after the deadline due to extenuating circumstances I experienced in the fall term. The petition number is 13203. The reason I bring this up is because without those courses I will have only taken 12 units since my last evaluation. I hope this can be considered as I should be below the 18 units still for revaluation. I am certain that if given the chance to attend Queen’s next year that I will be able to raise my GPA to a respectable level and complete my degree.
The biggest detriment to my academic career at Queen’s has been my mental health and my aversion and fear of speaking about it and receiving help. I finally feel that I have a doctor who is supportive of my mental health, and I have been doing exceptionally well. I plan to continue meeting with her regularly throughout the year to ensure my wellbeing and capability to continue my studies. I also have a larger support network now to help me with my condition. If given the opportunity to continue next year at Queen’s I know I will be able to focus on my studies and put in the work required to complete my degree.
Thank you so much for your time and consideration in this matter,
Austin Stadel