Petition Letter
Dear Dr Stephenson,
I am writing to appeal the Faculty??s decision that I must withdraw from Queen??s for a minimum of 1 year. The reason for my appeal is based on the challenges presented by my late ADHD diagnosis and the steep learning curve that it entailed.
I was diagnosed with ADHD last year coming out of an unsuccessful year at Queen??s. A downside of my late diagnosis was an unfamiliarity with the supports available for those with similar conditions as well as a lack of insight into the strategies used to cope with my condition. Due to my lack of experience, I naively viewed the medication as a magic pill and was unprepared for my return to studies. I also faced a steep learning curve since the abatement of my more apparent symptoms (inattention) revealed other issues that had previously been drowned out. I also was not immediately aware about the resources available, for example I only found out my condition made me eligible for QSAS academic accommodations late in the fall semester.
I am aware that the appeals process does not consider disabilities that are actively being accommodated. However, I am not appealing based on my condition alone, but due to the unique and unforeseen challenges of being diagnosed and treated during university studies for a condition that is usually uncovered in childhood and the early teens. There is a transition involved upon being diagnosed with a learning disorder, and unfortunately, I was unprepared for and unfamiliar with the challenges that it entailed. However, it has been a year since I was diagnosed, and I now have a better understanding of myself and of my weaknesses and strengths as well as available resources. As such I am now in a position to take a proactive approach to my academic studies; to anticipate the challenges that I will face and to be ready for them.
I have reached out to my psychiatrist concerning documentation of my condition. As I am still awaiting its arrival via postal, for the time being I have attached the completed form that he previously sent me for QSAS.
Thank you for your consideration,
Paul Chumbe
20250395
I am writing to appeal the Faculty??s decision that I must withdraw from Queen??s for a minimum of 1 year. The reason for my appeal is based on the challenges presented by my late ADHD diagnosis and the steep learning curve that it entailed.
I was diagnosed with ADHD last year coming out of an unsuccessful year at Queen??s. A downside of my late diagnosis was an unfamiliarity with the supports available for those with similar conditions as well as a lack of insight into the strategies used to cope with my condition. Due to my lack of experience, I naively viewed the medication as a magic pill and was unprepared for my return to studies. I also faced a steep learning curve since the abatement of my more apparent symptoms (inattention) revealed other issues that had previously been drowned out. I also was not immediately aware about the resources available, for example I only found out my condition made me eligible for QSAS academic accommodations late in the fall semester.
I am aware that the appeals process does not consider disabilities that are actively being accommodated. However, I am not appealing based on my condition alone, but due to the unique and unforeseen challenges of being diagnosed and treated during university studies for a condition that is usually uncovered in childhood and the early teens. There is a transition involved upon being diagnosed with a learning disorder, and unfortunately, I was unprepared for and unfamiliar with the challenges that it entailed. However, it has been a year since I was diagnosed, and I now have a better understanding of myself and of my weaknesses and strengths as well as available resources. As such I am now in a position to take a proactive approach to my academic studies; to anticipate the challenges that I will face and to be ready for them.
I have reached out to my psychiatrist concerning documentation of my condition. As I am still awaiting its arrival via postal, for the time being I have attached the completed form that he previously sent me for QSAS.
Thank you for your consideration,
Paul Chumbe
20250395