Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: To whom it may concern,

My name is Sitara Raju and I would have been halfway through my third year at Queen's University. I am currently on academic probation and am not enrolled in any courses at this time.

I submitted a petition in the past for my first year, second semester courses. I was on medication that led to extreme exhaustion, cognitive fogginess, and more and left me unable to complete my course work. The school was extremely understanding and my appeal was granted.

I was ready and excited to be rid of my medication and return to school with a promise to do better but my second year turned out to be even worse. There were days that I couldn't get out of bed, or where light would cause my eyes excruciating pain. I kept pushing my course work in hopes that I would be able to catch up when I was feeling better, but unfortunately I never did feel better and as a result I received a failing grade in each one of my second year courses.

I reached out for medical advice over the summer and I was finally diagnosed with Lyme disease. My diagnosis opened the eyes of both my doctors and myself as all of my medical complications up until now finally had explanations. Colds and Flus would last weeks for me, I had a severe sensitivity to light and noise. General slowness, both physically and mentally. I feel more pain than the average person, and I became more susceptible to anxiety and depression, which discouraged me from going to classes and socializing with my peers and professors. I can say without a doubt that Lyme disease has hindered by ability to function - both as a student and a person.

I am now on the path to getting better. I finally have the right answers and am able to work on my disease and finally get the help I've needed for two years, and I am extremely grateful for the work of my medical professionals. I have attached my results in this application.

I understand if this is a big ask for a student like me to make. I was given a second chance but was completely unable to prove myself this year. I am submitting this petition in hopes of getting my second year course changed to non-graded or anything similar so I may continue forwards as a student with a fresh slate. I have always been proud to be a student at Queen's, and I would like to become a student that the school can be proud of as well.

I cannot thank you enough for your time and the chance to, once again, try to do better.

Regards,

Sitara Raju


ADDITIONAL INFORMATION SENT VIA EMAIL:

please add that After several weeks, I have been unable to receive treatment from any specialists (ei internal health specialists) as my family doctor is struggling to get my referrals through. In the meantime, my family doctor has decided to change her course of diagnosis and explore the possibility of me having long covid. Both conditions have similar symptoms, and given that I have had covid in the past it's a sensible possibility. However, given that I have also tested positive for lyme (attached), both conditions need to be investigated.