Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Jason Etim-Bassey
145 Wellington Street West, Unit 105
May 5th, 2023


Dr. Jenn Stephenson
Queen's University
Associate Dean (Academic)




Dear Jenn Stephenson,

The purpose of this letter is to appeal to drop my courseload for the 2023 winter semester including PPEC 400, POLS 354, PHIL 256, PHIL 224, HIST 299.

Towards the end of January, I began experiencing medical issues which affected my ability to sleep and too concentrate on my studies. Although I recognized something was wrong, given that I was a fourth-year student close to graduation I decided to persevere through the issues with the hope that I would be able to finish the last of my courses while managing these issues and thus decided not to withdraw before the deadline. These medical issues persisted and combined with personal stress compounded and took a toll on my mental health and ability to participate in classes and complete schoolwork.

Since recognizing the severity of my issues I have sought help from the student wellness center to diagnose my issues and to create a plan to address them. According to the recommendation of a doctor, the nature of the issue should only be short-term and I will be in a better position to face school when I return in the fall. To ensure this is possible, I am continuing to work with student wellness to monitor my health and I have also taken the chance to speak to a counsellor I was referred to through student wellness.

In regards to my plans should my appeal be granted, I will return to Queen??s in the fall to acquire the remaining 15 credits I need to complete my undergraduate degree. I have been a strong student up until this point, and I hope my grades prior to this semester will provide proof that my performance this semester was not the norm.

Best regards,
Jason Etim-Bassey