Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Academic Appeal

Dear Associate Dean,

I am appealing to have the following courses dropped. They currently show as failed in my transcript.
PSYC 236 / Fall 2021
SOCY 122A / Fall 2021
PSY 271 / Winter 2022
SOCY 122B / Winter 2022


In January 2021 there were extenuating circumstances beyond my control that lead to exacerbating conduitontions that I did not see, nor could I have predicted the magnitude of events that would follow. I had endured years of a legal battle. I had purchased a home in 2020 with a friend. My financial situation did not allow me to purchase on my own. Evidently, I did not have the proper contract to protect myself. Additionally, I could not have foreseen the malicious acts that would follow and was completely in shock and unprepared. I had never purchased a property before, much less be involved in a lengthy legal battle.

The legal events began in January 2021 and lasted for two years. It began with a letter demanding that the property be sold from a lawyer and threatening legal action. There was no mediation prior and my attempts at offering settlements weren??t successful. The case got more complex and was escalated to the Supreme Court. Every step of the dispute was painful, tedious, stressful and beyond a reasonable cost. I was at risk of loosing my home and the potential of financial ruin in the process. Over that time my mental health deteriorated. I was in such a state of anxiety and survival mode, my mental capacity was significantly diminished. I was struggling to keep up with work (full time and part time), but was unable to afford any extended leave to due the cost of my lawyer fees and additional court associated costs.

During the legal events there were many instances of harassment that I endured through a variety of channels from the co-owner. I had my property stolen, vandalized and false assault allegations to the police. Given that the individual still co-owned the property. I had no legal recourse for these malicious actions. I was also harassed by their family members. The harassment spilled intro my work, where I endured more false allegations from the co-owner. Jeopardizing my employment.

At that time I was attempting to keep myself in a better head space. Having the courses as a motivator, as something to make myself feel as if I??m moving in the right direction. I was very naive in terms of understanding the trauma I was suffering at that time and what a depressive state that I was in. I was in denial about my state, which is why I did not drop the courses in time. I sought therapy at that time as well, as I was severely depressed and suicidal. The compounded stressors of Covid, in addition to the legal dispute, was unlike anything that I had ever experienced. Also to note is that I do not have a supportive family to rely on. Therefore the burden and stressors were more so significant.


Another significant event beyond my control that impacted by ability to complete the courses, was that my dog - my baby. Had fallen ill unexpectedly on October 5th 2021. His health deteriorated significantly and quickly. All my energy went into taking care of him, as his condition was heartbreakingly bad. He passed on October 27th 2021. Given that my family is not a part of my life. He was such a big part of my life. The grieving process was really difficult.

My plan to ensure future academic success is taking it one step at a time and not overwhelming myself. I had previously enrolled in courses in Summer 2022 but feeling like it was too soon I was able to drop the courses in time so they wouldn??t affect my GPA. I needed more time to heal from the trauma. Currently I??m enrolled in STAM 200 and HLTH 101 and I??m doing really well. I??m making time to understand the concepts and I??ve completed all the assignments. Most of my marks have been As or A+. I??m committed to succeeding with the rest of my time at Queen??s.