Petition Letter
The Associate Dean (Academic)
Faculty of Arts and Science
Queen’s University
Dear Associate Dean,
I am writing to request that the Faculty of Arts and Science waive the one-year petition deadline and allow my late petition to be considered. I believe my circumstances meet this requirement, as ongoing medical and psychological challenges directly affected both my academic performance and my ability to submit this petition earlier.
During my first year of studies, I faced multiple challenges that seriously impacted my academic success. I was struggling with undiagnosed ADHD. This caused persistent difficulties with concentration, organization, and time management. These symptoms made it extremely difficult to balance coursework and deadlines, especially without a diagnosis or treatment plan. At the time, I did not recognize that I was facing a medical condition, and I internalized my struggles as personal faults, which made me hesitant to seek help or discuss my situation with instructors.
In addition to these ongoing challenges, I experienced repeated physical illnesses throughout my first year, including multiple cases of strep throat and having contracted mononucleosis. These illnesses caused fatigue, frequent absences, and reduced focus over several months. The combination of illness and untreated ADHD created a cycle of stress, exhaustion, and academic difficulty that persisted throughout the year. These circumstances were beyond my control and prevented me from performing to my full potential.
After the academic year had ended and I had been placed on academic probation requiring withdrawing for a year, I was unaware of the petition process or that my situation could qualify for academic consideration. My untreated ADHD and ongoing health issues limited my ability to research university procedures or act within the deadline. After my first year of studies, I was professionally assessed and was formally diagnosed with ADHD. This diagnosis gave me the clarity and support I needed to begin treatment, develop better strategies for time management, and improve my academic performance.
The delay in submitting this petition resulted directly from the prolonged effects of these conditions. My medical and psychological challenges prevented me from recognizing the need to petition earlier and from organizing the necessary documentation until now. With proper treatment and support in place, I have since demonstrated academic improvement and stability, and I can now advocate for myself appropriately.
My motivation for submitting this late petition is to ensure that my first-year academic record accurately reflects my abilities and dedication. I am deeply committed to pursuing a career in medicine, and I do not want circumstances beyond my control during my first year to limit my future opportunities. I have enclosed documentation from my healthcare providers confirming my ADHD diagnosis and am in the process of retrieving my sick notes from academic considerations from prior medical illnesses to verify that these circumstances were ongoing and significant.
Thank you for considering my request to have the one-year petition deadline waived. I take full responsibility for my academic progress and am committed to continuing the improvements I have made since addressing these challenges. I appreciate your understanding and compassion in reviewing my petition.
Thank you for your consideration,
Olivia Lewis
20325823
21oml1@queensu.ca
Faculty of Arts and Science
Queen’s University
Dear Associate Dean,
I am writing to request that the Faculty of Arts and Science waive the one-year petition deadline and allow my late petition to be considered. I believe my circumstances meet this requirement, as ongoing medical and psychological challenges directly affected both my academic performance and my ability to submit this petition earlier.
During my first year of studies, I faced multiple challenges that seriously impacted my academic success. I was struggling with undiagnosed ADHD. This caused persistent difficulties with concentration, organization, and time management. These symptoms made it extremely difficult to balance coursework and deadlines, especially without a diagnosis or treatment plan. At the time, I did not recognize that I was facing a medical condition, and I internalized my struggles as personal faults, which made me hesitant to seek help or discuss my situation with instructors.
In addition to these ongoing challenges, I experienced repeated physical illnesses throughout my first year, including multiple cases of strep throat and having contracted mononucleosis. These illnesses caused fatigue, frequent absences, and reduced focus over several months. The combination of illness and untreated ADHD created a cycle of stress, exhaustion, and academic difficulty that persisted throughout the year. These circumstances were beyond my control and prevented me from performing to my full potential.
After the academic year had ended and I had been placed on academic probation requiring withdrawing for a year, I was unaware of the petition process or that my situation could qualify for academic consideration. My untreated ADHD and ongoing health issues limited my ability to research university procedures or act within the deadline. After my first year of studies, I was professionally assessed and was formally diagnosed with ADHD. This diagnosis gave me the clarity and support I needed to begin treatment, develop better strategies for time management, and improve my academic performance.
The delay in submitting this petition resulted directly from the prolonged effects of these conditions. My medical and psychological challenges prevented me from recognizing the need to petition earlier and from organizing the necessary documentation until now. With proper treatment and support in place, I have since demonstrated academic improvement and stability, and I can now advocate for myself appropriately.
My motivation for submitting this late petition is to ensure that my first-year academic record accurately reflects my abilities and dedication. I am deeply committed to pursuing a career in medicine, and I do not want circumstances beyond my control during my first year to limit my future opportunities. I have enclosed documentation from my healthcare providers confirming my ADHD diagnosis and am in the process of retrieving my sick notes from academic considerations from prior medical illnesses to verify that these circumstances were ongoing and significant.
Thank you for considering my request to have the one-year petition deadline waived. I take full responsibility for my academic progress and am committed to continuing the improvements I have made since addressing these challenges. I appreciate your understanding and compassion in reviewing my petition.
Thank you for your consideration,
Olivia Lewis
20325823
21oml1@queensu.ca